The Padlock — Jude the Obscure

Arabella tells her father breakfast is ready and that she has a prize upstairs. A husband, almost. Jude. Keep him here till they are as they were: married. He has a bursting head and hardly knows where he is. She takes his purse, pays the lodgings, and has a lad wheel every possession to the pork-shop bedroom. They must keep plenty of good liquor going. She will have the licence ready to catch him the moment he is in the humour.

Three days later a quiet convivial gathering winds him up. Donn's new shop has scarce any customers, but the party advertises it. Jude names Uncle Joe, Stagg, the decayed auctioneer. Tinker Taylor, not invited, looks in at dawn and finds them still at cards with the gas burning. Arabella's arm is round Jude's waist. They have been waiting for legal hours. She told the parson they might come between eight and nine. Jude does not remember promising. Donn puts him on his honour. He would marry the Whore of Babylon rather than do anything dishonourable. If he is bound in honour, marry her he will.

The guests stay for breakfast. Tinker Taylor doubts a couple who could not get on when their minds were limp. They return. Arabella holds out her left hand. There's the padlock, see. The clergyman congratulated them. What God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Jude walked straight, she laughs, though he was seeing double. He mutters he has saved a woman's honour. He wants more whisky. She said I ought to marry you again, and I have straightway. It is true religion.