Page:Hardy - Jude the Obscure, 1896.djvu/242

 Arabella spoke somewhat hurriedly for her. "You'll keep it close?"

"Yes—yes—I promise!" said Jude, impatiently. "Of course I don't want to reveal your secrets."

"Whenever I met him out for a walk he used to say that he was much taken with my looks, and he kept pressing me to marry him. I never thought of coming back to England again; and being out there in Australia, with no home of my own after leaving my father, I at last agreed, and did."

"What—marry him?"

"Yes."

"Regularly—legally—in church?"

"Yes. And lived with him till shortly before I left. It was stupid, I know; but I did! There, now, I've told you. Don't round upon me! He's never coming back to England, poor old chap. And if he does, he won't be likely to find me."

Jude stood pale and fixed.

"Why the devil didn't you tell me last night?" he said.

"Well—I didn't.. .. Won't you make it up with me, then?"

"I have nothing more to say!" replied Jude, with sternness. I have nothing at all to say about the—crime—you've confessed to!"

"Crime! Pooh. They don't think much of such as that over there! Lot's of 'em do it.. .. Well, if you take it like that I shall go back to him! He was very fond of me, and we lived honorable enough, and as respectable as any married couple in the Colony! How did I know where you were?"

"I won't go blaming you. I could say a good deal, but perhaps it would be misplaced. What do you wish me to do?"

"Nothing. There was one thing more I wanted to tell you, but I fancy we've seen enough of one another for