"A Pair of Blue Eyes" is the third novel by renowned British author Thomas Hardy and the first that he did not publish anonymously. The book contains many of the plot devices and themes that Hardy would explore further in his subsequent books: love, mischance, betrayal, loyalty and dueling allegiances.

The story revolves around the lovely Elfride Swancourt who is caught in a classic dilemma: she has two suitors, one poor, ambitious and ardent - Stephen Smith - and one respectable and wealthy - Henry Knight. Unable to choose between them and unsure of which would be best for her future, Elfride's inability to decide between the two men threatens to scuttle her relationship with both.

At once a beautifully written love story and a tragic tale of missed opportunities, "A Pair of Blue Eyes" is an early peek at the literary gifts of Thomas Hardy, who would create some of the finest novels in English literary history. It is presented here in its original and unabridged format.