about self-control, and
the wickedness of coercing a woman. But I should just like a few
virtuous people who have condemned me in the past, about Arabella
and other things, to have been in my tantalizing position with
you through these late weeks!--they'd believe, I think, that I
have exercised some little restraint in always giving in to your
wishes--living here in one house, and not a soul between us."

"Yes, you have been good to me, Jude; I know you have, my dear
protector."

"Well--Arabella has appealed to me for help. I must go out and speak
to her, Sue, at least!"

"I can't say any more!--Oh, if you must, you must!" she said,
bursting out into sobs that seemed to tear her heart. "I have
nobody but you, Jude, and you are deserting me! I didn't know you
were like this--I can't bear it, I can't! If she were yours it
would be different!"

"Or if you were."

"Very well then--if I must I must. Since you will have it so, I
agree! I will be. Only I didn't mean to! And I didn't want to
marry again, either! ... But, yes--I agree, I agree! I do love you.
I ought to have known that you would conquer in the long run, living
like this!"

She ran across and flung her arms round his neck. "I am not a
cold-natured, sexless creature, am I, for keeping you at such a
distance? I am sure you don't think so! Wait and see! I do belong
to you, don't I? I give in!"

"And I'll arrange for our marriage to-morrow, or as soon as ever you
wish."

"Yes, Jude."

"Then I'll let her go," said he, embracing Sue softly. "I do feel
that it would be unfair to you to see her, and perhaps unfair to her.
She is not like you, my darling, and never was: it is only bare
justice to say that. Don't cry any more. There; and there; and
there!" He kissed her on one side, and on the other, and in the
middle, and rebolted the front door.

The next morning it was wet.

"Now, dear," said Jude gaily at breakfast; "as this is Saturday
I mean to call about the banns at once, so as to get the first
publishing done to-morrow, or we shall lose a week. Banns will do?
We shall save a pound or two."

Sue absently agreed to banns. But her mind for the moment was
running on something else. A glow had passed away from her, and
depression sat upon her features.

"I feel I was wickedly selfish last night!" she murmured. "It was
sheer unkindness in me--or worse--to treat Arabella as I did. I
didn't care about her being in trouble,