The Broken Pitcher

The Broken Pitcher
The Jewel Casket
The Kitchen Maid
The Lady of Shalott
¡¡¡¡ WHEN Sue reached home Jude was awaiting her at the door to take the initial step towards their marriage. She clasped his arm, and they went along silently together, as true comrades oft-times do. He saw that she was preoccupied, and forbore to question her. ¡¡¡¡ "Oh Jude--I've been talking to her," she said at last. "I wish I hadn't! And yet it is best to be reminded of things." ¡¡¡¡ "I hope she was civil." ¡¡¡¡ "Yes. I--I can't help liking her--just a little bit! She's not an ungenerous nature; and I am so glad her difficulties have all suddenly ended." She explained how Arabella had been summoned back, and would be enabled to retrieve her position. "I was referring to our old question. What Arabella has been saying to me has made me feel more than ever how hopelessly vulgar an institution legal marriage is--a sort of trap to catch a man-- I can't bear to think of it. I wish I hadn't promised to let you put up the banns this morning!"