In this passage, the scenes are very significant. Tess is haunted by a previous “skeleton in her closet”. Alec’s visit was unexpected. His presence and the information he carries affect Tess greatly. Many things contribute to it. Alec is the very “ghost” from her past that screws her future. Whether by fate or chance, it impacts her to a great degree.
Alec’s visit surprises her. The first thing Tess finds out he is a D’Urberville, not a