When Desire Derails Dreams — Jude the Obscure

It is Sunday afternoon, a day Jude has reserved all week for re-reading his new Greek Testament, a fine London edition he ordered by writing directly to the publisher, the boldest thing he has done in years. He sits in his slant-ceilinged bedroom, book open, palms over his temples. He also promised to call on Arabella. He assembles reasons why one afternoon is acceptable. Hardy names what actually moves him: a compelling arm of extraordinary muscular power, something with no interest in reason, will, or aspiration, which drags him to his feet and out of the house and down the hill toward Arabella's door.

They walk to the Brown House, the very spot where Jude once prayed to see Christminster, and he forgets every classical allusion he has ever made, talking commonest local twaddle to Arabella with more pleasure than he would feel discussing philosophy with a college don. Smoke on the horizon sends them on a chase to Alfredston; the fire is already out when they arrive. In a dingy pub they wait for tea that never comes and order beer instead. Hardy seats them under a painting of Samson and Delilah. Walking home after dark they draw closer; at the summit of the road Jude kisses her three times. He delivers her home at nine to find the neighbours already treating him as her intended. He flees the room and walks home shaken.

Upstairs, the Greek Testament lies open exactly where he left it. Its capital letters stare at him like the unclosed eyes of a dead man. He carries it back to Alfredston unused the next morning. At dawn he retraces the road and lingers over the footprints in the damp dust where they kissed, aching already for the following Sunday. An hour and a half later Arabella passes the same spot without looking down, chatting freely to her friends about everything he said. She tells them what she actually wants: not his affection but marriage, and she has decided she must have him. Her friends hint at a sure way to accomplish it, and in silence Arabella whispers to herself that she will try.