Jude the Obsure

Jude assented. So long as he was near her he minded little where he

was. When they arrived at her house he said lingeringly: "I won't

come in. Why are you in such a hurry to go in to-night? It is not

near dark."

"Wait a moment," said she. She tried the handle of the door and

found it locked.

"Ah--they are gone to church," she added. And searching behind the

scraper she found the key and unlocked the door. "Now, you'll come

in a moment?" she asked lightly. "We shall be all alone."

"Certainly," said Jude with alacrity, the case being unexpectedly

altered.

Indoors they went. Did he want any tea? No, it was too late: he

would rather sit and talk to her. She took off her jacket and hat,

and they sat down--naturally enough close together.

"Don't touch me, please," she said softly. "I am part egg-shell. Or

perhaps I had better put it in a safe place." She began unfastening

the collar of her gown.

"What is it?" said her lover.

"An egg--a cochin's egg. I am hatching a very rare sort. I carry it

about everywhere with me, and it will get hatched in less than three

weeks."

"Where do you carry it?"

"Just here." She put her hand into her bosom and drew out the egg,

which was wrapped in wool, outside it being a piece of pig's bladder,

in case of accidents. Having exhibited it to him she put it back,

"Now mind you don't come near me. I don't want to get it broke, and

have to begin another."

"Why do you do such a strange thing?"

"It's an old custom. I suppose it is natural for a woman to want to

bring live things into the world."

"It is very awkward for me just now," he said, laughing.

"It serves you right. There--that's all you can have of me"

She had turned round her chair, and, reaching over the back of it,

presented her cheek to him gingerly.

"That's very shabby of you!"

"You should have catched me a minute ago when I had put the egg down!

There!" she said defiantly, "I am without it now!" She had quickly

withdrawn the egg a second time; but before he could quite reach her

she had put it back as quickly, laughing with the excitement of her

strategy. Then there was a little struggle, Jude making a plunge for

it and capturing it triumphantly. Her face flushed; and becoming

suddenly conscious he flushed also.