A rule of reference may be entered after a judgment by default or after a judgment for plaintiff upon a motion, as well as before judgment. Although it be entered after judgment, nevertheless judgment shall be rendered on the report made pursuant thereto, and such judgment on the report shall be regular, notwithstanding the previous judgment.

Code 1852, § ?2420; Code 1915, § ?4319; Code 1935, § ?4791; 10 Del. C. 1953, § ?4775;