ive
tremor, "for a husband or wife to tell a third person that they are
unhappy in their marriage? If a marriage ceremony is a religious
thing, it is possibly wrong; but if it is only a sordid contract,
based on material convenience in householding, rating, and taxing,
and the inheritance of land and money by children, making it
necessary that the male parent should be known--which it seems to
be--why surely a person may say, even proclaim upon the housetops,
that it hurts and grieves him or her?"

"I have said so, anyhow, to you."

Presently she went on: "Are there many couples, do you think, where
one dislikes the other for no definite fault?"

"Yes, I suppose. If either cares for another person, for instance."

"But even apart from that? Wouldn't the woman, for example, be very
bad-natured if she didn't like to live with her husband; merely"--her
voice undulated, and he guessed things--"merely because she had a
personal feeling against it--a physical objection--a fastidiousness,
or whatever it may be called--although she might respect and be
grateful to him? I am merely putting a case. Ought she to try to
overcome her pruderies?"

Jude threw a troubled look at her. He said, looking away: "It would
be just one of those cases in which my experiences go contrary to my
dogmas. Speaking as an order-loving man--which I hope I am, though
I fear I am not--I should say, yes. Speaking from experience and
unbiased nature, I should say, no.... Sue, I believe you are not
happy!"

"Of course I am!" she contradicted. "How can a woman be unhappy who
has only been married eight weeks to a man she chose freely?"

"'Chose freely!'"

"Why do you repeat it? ... But I have to go back by the six o'clock
train. You will be staying on here, I suppose?"

"For a few days to wind up Aunt's affairs. This house is gone now.
Shall I go to the train with you?"

A little laugh of objection came from Sue. "I think not. You may
come part of the way."

"But stop--you can't go to-night! That train won't take you to
Shaston. You must stay and go back to-morrow. Mrs. Edlin has plenty
of room, if you don't like to stay here?"

"Very well," she said dubiously. "I didn't tell him I would come for
certain."

Jude went to the widow's house adjoining, to let her know; and
returning in a few minutes sat down again.

"It is horrible how we are circumstanced, Sue--horrible!" he said
abruptly, with his eyes bent to the floor.