Rejected by the Dean of Cardinal College, Jude has left Christminster in despair. He now works as a jobbing mason but still retains his scholastic ambitions.

Sue has lost her place at the Normal College and Phillotson has suggested they should now marry. She decides to consult Jude, who has met with Arabella.

Sue has left her husband, Phillotson, and gone to Jude, although she insists they use seperate bedrooms. Jude starts divorce proceedings from Arabella.