"Now then, Sue, at any rate, you can do what you like!" He looked at his sweetheart curiously.
"Are we—you and I—just as free now as if we had never married at all?"
"Just as free—except, I believe, that a clergyman may object personally to remarry you, and hand the job on to somebody else."
"But I wonder—do you think it is really so with us? I know it is generally. But I have an uncomfortable feeling that my freedom has been obtained under false pretences!"
"How?"
"Well—if the truth about us had been known, the decree wouldn't have been pronounced. It is only, is it, because we have made no defence, and have led them into a false supposition? Therefore is my freedom lawful, however proper it may be?"
"Well—why did you let it be under false pretences? You have only yourself to blame," he said mischievously.
"Jude—don't! You ought not to be touchy about that still. You must take me as I am."
"Very well, darling: so I will. Perhaps you were right. As to your question, we were not obliged to prove anything. That was their business. Anyhow we are living together."
"Yes. Though not in their sense."