The circumstances were not altogether unlike those of their entry into the cottage at Cresscombe, such a long time before. Nor were perhaps Arabella's motives. But Jude did not think of that, though she did.

`I can't find the matches, dear,' she said when she had fastened up the door. `But never mind - this way. As quiet as you can, please.'

`It is as dark as pitch,' said Jude.

`Give me your hand, and I'll lead you. That's it. Just sit down here, and I'll pull off your boots. I don't want to wake him.'

`Who?'

`Father. He'd make a row, perhaps.'

She pulled off his boots. `Now,' she whispered, `take hold of me - never mind your weight. Now - first stair, second stair'

`But, - are we out in our old house by Marygreen?' asked the stupefied Jude. `I haven't been inside it for years till now! Hey? And where are my books? That's what I want to know?'

`We are at my house, dear, where there's nobody to spy out how ill you are. Now - third stair, fourth stair - that's it. Now we shall get on.'