But we need not discuss that, mamma.
John thinks that there will be a trial.' 'Till that is over, will you not be better away from him?
How will it be with you if it should be decided that he is not your husband ?' Here Hester of course prepared herself for interruption, but her mother prayed for permission to continue.
'Listen to me for one moment, Hester.' 'Very well, mamma.

Go on.' 'How would it be with you in that case?
You must be separated then.

As that is possible, is it not right that you should obey the ordinances of God and man, and keep yourself apart till they who are in authority shall have spoken ?' 'There are no such ordinances.' 'There are indeed.

If you were to ask all your friends, all the married women in Cambridgeshire, what would they say?
Would they not all tell you that no woman should live with a man while there is a shadow of doubt?
And as to the law of God, you know God's law, and can only defend yourself by your own certainty as to a matter respecting which all others are uncertain.

You think yourself certain because such certainty is a way to yourself out of your present misery.' 'It is for my child,' she shouted; 'and for him.' 'As for your babe, your darling babe, whether he be yours in joy of heart or in agony of spirit, he is still yours.