Arabella's eyes removed from Jude to Mrs. Edlin. "D'ye think she
will come?" she asked.
"I could not say. She swore not to see him again."
"How is she looking?"
"Tired and miserable, poor heart. Years and years older than when
you saw her last. Quite a staid, worn woman now. 'Tis the man--she
can't stomach un, even now!"
"If Jude had been alive to see her, he would hardly have cared for
her any more, perhaps."
"That's what we don't know... Didn't he ever ask you to send for
her, since he came to see her in that strange way?"
"No. Quite the contrary. I offered to send, and he said I was not
to let her know how ill he was."
"Did he forgive her?"
"Not as I know."
"Well--poor little thing, 'tis to be believed she's found forgiveness
somewhere! She said she had found peace!
"She may swear that on her knees to the holy cross upon her necklace
till she's hoarse, but it won't be true!" said Arabella. "She's
never found peace since she left his arms, and never will again till
she's as he is now!"