第10章

Hewouldnothavestoppedthenforanythinglessnecessarythanbreath，itbeingaspectralsortofracethatheran，andonehighlydesirabletogettotheendof。Hehadastrongideathatthecoffinhehadseenwasrunningafterhim；and，picturedashoppingonbehindhim，boltupright，uponitsnarrowend，alwaysonthepointofovertakinghimandhoppingonathisside——perhapstakinghisarm——itwasapursuertoshun。Itwasaninconsistentandubiquitousfiendtoo，for，whileitwasmakingthewholenightbehindhimdreadful，hedartedoutintotheroadwaytoavoiddarkalleys，fearfulofitscominghoppingoutofthemlikeadropsicalboy"sKitewithouttailandwings。Ithidindoorwaystoo，rubbingitshorribleshouldersagainstdoors，anddrawingthemuptoitsears，asifitwerelaughing。Itgotintoshadowsontheroad，andlaycunninglyonitsbacktotriphimup。Allthistimeitwasincessantlyhoppingonbehindandgainingonhim，sothatwhentheboygottohisowndoorliehadreasonforbeinghalfdead。Andeventhenitwouldnotleavehim，butfollowedhimupstairswithabumponeveryStair，scrambledintobedwithhim，andbumpeddown，deadandheavy，onhisbreastwhenhefellasleep。

Fromhisoppressedslumber，YoungJerryinhisclosetwasawakenedafterdaybreakandbeforesunrise，bythepresenceofhisfatherinthefamilyroom。Somethinghadgonebongwithhim；atleast，soYoungJerryinferred，fromthecircumstanceofhisholdingMrs。Cruncherbytheears，andknockingthebackofherheadagainsttheheadboardofthebed。

`ItoldyouIwould，"saidMr。Cruncher，`andIdid。"

`Jerry，Jerry，Jerry!"hiswifeimplored。

`Youopposeyourselftotheprofitofthebusiness，"saidJerry，`andmeandmypartnerssuffer。Youwastohonourandobey；whythedevildon"tyou?"

`Itrytobeagoodwife，Jerry，"thepoorwomanprotested，withtears。

`Isitbeingagoodwifetoopposeyourhusband"sbusiness?Isithonouringyourhusbandtodishonourhisbusiness?Isitobeyingyourhusbandtodisobeyhimonthewitalsubjectofhisbusiness?"

`Youhadn"ttakentothedreadfulbusinessthen，Jerry。"

`It"senoughforyou，"retortedMr。Cruncher，`tobethewifeofahonesttradesman，andnottooccupyyourfemalemindwithcalculationswhenhetooktohistradeorwhenhedidn"t。Ahonouringandobeyingwifewouldlethistradealonealtogether。Callyourselfareligiouswoman?

Ifyou"reareligiouswoman，givemeairreligiousone!Youhavenomorenat"ralsenseofdutythanthebedofthishereThamesriverhasofapile，andsimilarlyitmustbeknockedintoyou。"

Thealtercationwasconductedinalowtoneofvoice，andterminatedinthehonesttradesman"skickingoffhisclay-soiledboots，andlyingdownathislengthonthefloor。Aftertakingatimidpeepathimlyingonhisback，withhisrustyhandsunderhisheadforapillow，hissonlaydowntoo，andfellasleepagain。

Therewasnofishforbreakfast，andnotmuchofanythingelse。

Mr。Cruncherwasoutofspirits，andoutoftemper，andkeptanironpot-lidbyhimasaprojectileforthecorrectionofMrs。Cruncher，incaseheshouldobserveanysymptomsofhersayingGrace。Hewasbrushedandwashedattheusualhour，andsetoffwithhissontopursuehisostensiblecalling。

YoungJerry，walkingwiththestoolunderhisarmathisfather"ssidealongsunnyandcrowdedFleetStreet，wasaverydifferentYoungJerryfromhimofthepreviousnight，runninghomethroughdarknessandsolitudefromhisgrimpursuer。Hiscunningwasfreshwiththeday，andhisqualmsweregonewiththenight——inwhichparticularsitisnotimprobablethathehadcompeersinFleetStreetandtheCityofLondon，thatfinemorning。

`Father，"saidYoungJerry，astheywalkedalong:takingcaretokeepatarm"slengthandtohavethestoolwellbetweenthem:`what"saResurrection——Man?"

Mr。Crunchercametoastoponthepavementbeforelieanswered，`HowshouldIknow?"

`Ithoughtyouknowedeverything，father，"saidtheartlessboy。

`Hem!Well，"returnedMr。Cruncher，goingonagain，andliftingoffhishattogivehisspikesfreeplay，`he"satradesman。"

`What`shisgoods，father?"askedthebriskYoungJerry。

`Hisgoods，"saidMr。Cruncher，afterturningitoverinhismind，isabranchofScientificgoods。"

`Persons"bodies，ain"tit，father?"askedthelivelyboy。

`Ibelieveitissomethingofthatsort，"saidMr。Cruncher。

`Oh，father，IshouldsoliketobeaResurrection——manwhenI

`mquitegrowedup!"

Mr。Cruncherwassoothed，butshookhisheadinadubiousandmoralway。`Itdependsuponhowyoudewelopyourtalents。Becarefultodewelopyourtalents，andnevertosaynomorethanyoucanhelptonobody，andthere"snotellingatthepresenttimewhatyoumaynotcometobefitfor。"AsYoungJerry，thusencouraged，wentonafewyardsinadvance，toplantthestoolintheshadowoftheBar，Mr。Cruncheraddedtohimself:

`Jerry，youhonesttradesman，there"shopeswotthatboywillyetbeablessingtoyou，andarecompensetoyouforhismother!

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVKnittingTHEREhadbeenearlierdrinkingthanusualinthewineshopofMonsieurDefarge。Asearlyassixo"clockinthemorning，sallowfacespeepingthroughitsbarredwindowshaddescriedotherfaceswithin，bendingovermeasuresofwine。MonsieurDefargesoldaverythinwineatthebestoftimes，butitwouldseemtohavebeenanunusuallythinwinethathesoldatthistime。Asourwine，moreover，orasouring，foritsinfluenceonthemoodofthosewhodrankitwastomakethemgloomy。NovivaciousBacchanalianflameleapedoutofthepressedgrapeofmonsieurDefarge:but，asmoulderingfirethatburntinthedark，layhiddeninthedregsofit。

Thishadbeenthethirdmorninginsuccession，onwhichtherehadbeenearlydrinkingatthewine-shopofMonsieurDefarge。IthadbegunonMonday，andherewasWednesdaycome。Therehadbeenmoreofearlybroodingthandrinking；for，manymenhadlistenedandwhisperedandslunkabouttherefromthetimeoftheopeningofthedoor，whocouldnotavelaidaPieceofmoneyonthecountertosavetheirsouls。Theseweretothefullasinterestedintheplace，however，asiftheycouldhavecommandedwholebarrelsofwine；andtheyglidedfromseattoseat，andfromcornertocorner，swallowingtalkinlieuofdrink，withgreedylooks。

Notwithstandinganunusualflowofcompany，themasterofthewine-shopwasnotvisible。Hewasnotmissed；for，nobodywhocrossedthethresholdlookedforhim，nobodyaskedforhim，nobodywonderedtoseeonlyMadameDefargeinherseat，presidingoverthedistributionofwine，withabowlofbatteredsmallcoinsbeforeher，asmuchdefacedandbeatenoutoftheiroriginalimpressasthesmallcoinageofhumanityfromwhoseraggedpocketstheyhadcome。

Asuspendedinterestandaprevalentabsenceofmind，wereperhapsobservedbythespieswholookedinatthewine-shop，astheylookedinateveryplace，highandlow，fromtheking"spalacetothecriminal"sgaol。Gamesatcardslanguished，playersatdominoesmusinglybuilttowerswiththem，drinkersdrewfiguresonthetableswithspiltdropsofwine，MadameDefargeherselfpickedoutthepatternonhersleevewithhertoothpick，andsawandheardsomethinginaudibleandinvisiblealongwayoff。

Thus，SaintAntoineinthisvinousfeatureofhis，untilmidday。

Itwashighnoontide，whentwodustymenpassedthroughhisstreetsandunderhisswinginglamps:ofwhom，onewasMonsieurDefarge:theotheramenderofroadsinabluecap。Alladustandathirst，thetwoenteredthewine-shop。TheirarrivalhadlightedakindoffireinthebreastofSaintAntoine，fastspreadingastheycamealong，whichstirredandflickeredinflamesoffacesatmostdoorsandwindows。Yet，noonehadfollowedthem，andnomanspokewhentheyenteredthewine-shop，thoughtheeyesofeverymantherewereturneduponthem。

`Good-day，gentlemen!"saidMonsieurDefarge。

Itmayhavebeenasignalforlooseningthegeneraltongue。Itelicitedanansweringchorusof`Good-day!"

`Itisbadweather，gentlemen，"saidDefarge，shakinghishead。

Uponwhich，everymanlookedathisneighbour，andthenallcastdowntheireyesandsatsilent。Exceptoneman，whogotupandwentout。

`Mywife，"saidDefargealoud，addressingMadameDefarge:`Ihavetravelledcertainleagueswiththisgoodmenderofroads，calledJacques。

Imethim——byaccident——adayanhalf"sjourneyOutofParis。Heisagoodchild，thismenderofroads，calledJacques。Givehimtodrink，mywife!"

Asecondmangotupandwentout。MadameDefargesetwinebeforethemenderofroadscalledJacques，whodoffedhisbluecaptothecompany，anddrank。Inthebreastofhisblousehecarriedsomecoarsedarkbread；

heateofthisbetweenwhiles，andsatmunchinganddrinkingnearMadameDefarge"scounter。Athirdmangotupandwentout。

Defargerefreshedhimselfwithadraughtofwine——but，hetooklessthanwasgiventothestranger，asbeinghimselfamantowhomitwasnorarity——andstoodwaitinguntilthecountrymanhadmadehisbreakfast。

Helookedatnoonepresent，andnoonenowlookedathim；notevenMadameDefarge，whohadtakenupherknitting，andwasatwork。

`Haveyoufinishedyourrepast，friend?"heasked，indueseason。

`Yes，thankyou。"

`Come，then!YoushallseetheapartmentthatItoldyouyoucouldoccupy。Itwillsuityoutoamarvel。"

Outofthewine-shopintothestreet，outofthestreetintoacourtyard，outofthecourtyardupasteepstaircase，outofthestaircaseintoagarret——formerlythegarretwhereawhite-hairedmansatonalowbench，stoopingforwardandverybusy，makingshoes。

Nowhite-hairedmanwastherenow；but，thethreemenweretherewhohadgoneoutofthewine-shopsingly。Andbetweenthemandthewhite-hairedmanafaroff，wastheonesmalllink，thattheyhadoncelookedinathimthroughthechinksinthewail。

Defargeclosedthedoorcarefully，andspokeinasubduedvoice:

`JacquesOne，JacquesTwo，JacquesThree!Thisisthewitnessencounteredbyappointment，byme，JacquesFour。

Hewilltellyouall。Speak，JacquesFive!

Themenderofroads，bluecapinhand，wipedhisswarthyforeheadwithit，andsaid，`WhereshallIcommence，monsieur?"

`Commence，"wasMonsieurDefarge"snotunreasonablereply，`atthecommencement。"

`Isawhimthen，messieurs，"beganthemenderofroads，ayearagothisrunningsummer，underneaththecarriageoftheMarquis，hangingbythechain。Beholdthemannerofit。Ileavingmyworkontheroad，thesungoingtobed，thecarriageoftheMarquisslowlyascendingthehill，hehangingbythechain——likethis。"

Againthemenderofroadswentthroughthewholeperformance；

inwhichheoughttohavebeenperfectbythattime，seeingthatithadbeentheinfallibleresourceandindispensableentertainmentofhisvillageduringawholeyear。

JacquesOnestruckin，andaskedifhehadeverseenthemanbefore?

`Never，"answeredthemenderofroads，recoveringhisperpendicular。

JacquesThreedemandedhowheafterwardsrecognisedhimthen?

`Byhistallfigure，"saidthemenderofroads，softly，andwithhisfingerathisnose。`WhenMonsieurtheMarquisdemandsthatevening，，``Say，whatishelike?""Imakeresponse，``Tallasaspectre。"""

`Youshouldhavesaid，shortasadwarf，"returnedJacquesTwo。

`ButwhatdidIknow?Thedeedwasnotthenaccomplished，neitherdidheconfideinme。Observe!Underthosecircumstanceseven，Idonotoffermytestimony。MonsieurtheMarquisindicatesmewithhisfinger，standingnearourlittlefountain，andsays，``Tome!Bringthatrascal!""

Myfaith，messieurs，Ioffernothing。"

`Heisrightthere，Jacques，"murmuredDefarge，tohimwhohadinterrupted。`Goon!"

`Good!"saidthemenderofroads，withanairofmystery。`Thetallmanislost，andheissought——howmanymonths?Nine，ten，eleven?"

`Nomatter，thenumber，"saidDefarge。`Heiswellhidden，butatlastheisunluckilyfound。Goon!"

`Iamagainatworkuponthehillside，andthesunisagainabouttogotobed。Iamcollectingmytoolstodescendtomycottagedowninthevillagebelow，whereitisalreadydark，whenIraisemyeyes，andseecomingoverthehillsixsoldiers。Inthemidstofthemisatallmanwithhisarmsbound——tiedtohissides——likethis!"

Withtheaidofhisindispensablecap，herepresentedamanwithhiselbowsboundfastathiships，withcordsthatwereknottedbehindhim。

`Istandaside，messieurs，bymyheapofstones，toseethesoldiersandtheirprisonerpass(foritisasolitaryroad，that，whereanyspectacleiswellworthlookingat)，andatfirst，astheyapproach，Iseenomorethanthattheyaresixsoldierswithatallmanbound，andthattheyarealmostblacktomysight——exceptonthesideofthesungoingtobedwheretheyhavearededge，messieurs。Also，Iseethattheirlongshadowsareonthehollowridgeontheoppositesideoftheroad，andareonthehillaboveit，andareliketheshadowsofgiants。Also，Iseethattheyarecoveredwithdust，andthatthedustmoveswiththemastheycome，tramp，tramp!Butwhentheyadvancequiteneartome，Irecognisethetallman，andherecognisesme。Ah，buthewouldbewellcontenttoprecipitatehimselfoverthehillsideonceagain，asontheeveningwhenheandIfirstencountered，closetothesamespot!"

Hedescribeditasifhewerethere，anditwasevidentthathesawitvividly；perhapshehadnotseenmuchinhislife。

`IdonotshowthesoldiersthatIrecognisethetallman；hedoesnotshowthesoldiersthatherecognisesme；wedoit，andweknowit，withoureyes。``Comeon!""saysthechiefofthatcompany，pointingtothevillage，``bringhimfasttohistomb!""andtheybringhimfaster。

Ifollow。Hisarmsareswelledbecauseofbeingboundsotight，hiswoodenshoesarelargeandclumsy，andheislame。Becauseheislame，andconsequentlyslow，theydrivehimwiththeirguns——likethis!"

Heimitatedtheactionofaman"sbeingimpelledforwardbythebutt-endsofmuskets。

`Astheydescendthehilllikemadmenrunningarace，hefalls。

Theylaughandpickhimupagain。Hisfaceisbleedingandcoveredwithdust，buthecannottouchit；thereupontheylaughagain。Theybringhimintothevillage；allthevillagerunstolook；theytakehimpastthemill，anduptotheprison；allthevillageseestheprisongateopeninthedarknessofthenight，andswallowhim——likethis!"

Heopenedhismouthaswideashecould，andshutitwithasoundingsnapofhisteeth。Observantofhisunwillingnesstomartheeffectbyopeningitagain，Defargesaid，`Goon，Jacques。"

`Allthevillage，"pursuedthemenderofroads，ontiptoeandinalowvoice，`withdraws；allthevillagewhispersbythefountain；allthevillagesleeps；allthevillagedreamsofthatunhappyone，withinthelocksandbarsoftheprisononthecrag，andnevertocomeoutofit，excepttoperish。Inthemorning，withmytoolsuponmyshoulder，eatingmymorselofblackbreadasIgo，Imakeacircuitbytheprison，onmywaytomywork。ThereIseehim，highup，behindthebarsofaloftyironcage，bloodyanddustyaslastnight，lookingthrough。Hehasnohandfree，towavetome；Idarenotcalltohim；heregardsmelikeadeadman。"

Defargeandthethreeglanceddarklyatoneanother。Thelooksofallofthemweredark，repressed，andrevengeful，astheylistenedtothecountryman"sstory；themannerofallofthem，whileitwassecret，wasauthoritativetoo。Theyhadtheairofaroughtribunal；JacquesOneandTwosittingontheoldpallet-bed，eachwithhischinrestingonhishand，andhiseyesintentontheroad-mender；JacquesThree，equallyintent，ononekneebehindthem，withhisagitatedhandalwaysglidingoverthenetworkoffinenervesabouthismouthandnose；Defargestandingbetweenthemandthenarrator，whomhehadstationedinthelightofthewindow，byturnslookingfromhimtothem，andfromthemtohim。

`Goon，Jacques，"saidDefarge。

`Heremainsupthereinhisironcagesomedays。Thevillagelooksathimbystealth，foritisafraid。Butitalwayslooksup，fromadistance，attheprisononthecrag；andintheevening，whentheworkofthedayisachievedanditassemblestogossipatthefountain，allfacesareturnedtowardstheprison。Formerly，theywereturnedtowardstheposting-house；

now，theyareturnedtowardstheprison。Theywhisperatthefountain，thatalthoughcondemnedtodeathhewillnotbeexecuted；theysaythatpetitionshavebeenpresentedinParis，showingthathewasenragedandmademadbythedeathofhischild；theysaythatapetitionhasbeenpresentedtotheKinghimself。WhatdoIknow?Itispossible。Perhapsyes，perhapsno。"

`Listenthen，Jacques，"NumberOneofthatnamesternlyinterposed。

`KnowthatapetitionwaspresentedtotheKingandQueen。Allhere，yourselfexcepted，sawtheKingtakeit，inhiscarriageinthestreet，sittingbesidetheQueen。ItisDefargewhomyouseehere，who，atthehazardofhislife，dartedoutbeforethehorses，withthepetitioninhishand。"

`Andonceagainlisten，Jacques!"saidthekneelingNumberThree:

hisfingerseverwanderingoverandoverthosefinenerves，withastrikinglygreedyair，asifhehungeredforsomething——thatwasneitherfoodnordrink；`theguard，horseandfoot，surroundedthepetitioner，andstruckhimblows。Youhear?"

`Ihear，messieurs。"

`Goonthen，"saidDefarge。

`Again；ontheotherhand，theywhisperatthefountain，"resumedthecountryman，`thatheisbroughtdownintoourcountrytobeexecutedonthespot，andthathewillverycertainlybeexecuted。TheyevenwhisperthatbecausehehasslainMonseigneur，andbecauseMonseigneurwasthefatherofhistenants——serfs——whatyouwill——hewillbeexecutedasaparricide。

Oneoldmansaysatthefountain，thathisrighthand，armedwiththeknife，willbeburntoffbeforehisface；that，intowoundswhichwillbemadeinhisarms，hisbreast，andhislegs，therewillbepouredboilingoil，meltedlead，hotresin，wax，andsulphur；finally，thathewillbetornlimbfromlimbbyfourstronghorses。Thatoldmansays，allthiswasactuallydonetoaprisonerwhomadeanattemptonthelifeofthelateKing，LouisFifteen。ButhowdoIknowifhelies?

Iamnotascholar。"

`Listenonceagainthen，Jacques!"saidthemanwiththerestlesshandandthecravingair。`ThenameofthatprisonerwasDamiens，anditwasalldoneinopenday，intheopenstreetsofthiscityofParis；andnothingwasmorenoticedinthevastconcoursethatsawitdone，thanthecrowdofladiesofqualityandfashion，whowerefullofeagerattentiontothelast——tothelast，Jacques，prolongeduntilnightfall，whenhehadlosttwolegsandanarm，andstillbreathed!Anditwasdone——why，howoldareyou?"

`Thirty-five，"saidthemenderofroads，wholookedsixty。

`Itwasdonewhenyouweremorethantenyearsold；youmighthaveseenit。"

`Enough!"saidDefarge，withgrimimpatience。`LonglivetheDevil!

Goon。"

`Well!Somewhisperthis，somewhisperthat；theyspedofnothingelse；eventhefountainappearstofalltothattune。Atlength，onSundaynightwhenallthevillageisasleep，comesoldiers，windingdownfromtheprison，andtheirgunsringonthestonesofthelittlestreet。Workmendig，workmenhammer，soldierslaughandsing；inthemorning，bythefountain，thereisraisedagallowsfortyfeethigh，poisoningthewater。"

Themenderofroadslookedthroughratherthanatthelowceiling，andpointedasifhesawthegallowssomewhereinthesky。

`Allworkisstopped，allassemblethere，nobodyleadsthecowsout，thecowsaretherewiththerest。Atmidday，therollofdrums。Soldiershavemarchedintotheprisoninthenight，andheisinthemidstofmanysoldiers。Heisboundasbefore，andinhismouththereisagag——tiedso，withatightstring，makinghimlookalmostasifhelaughed。"Hesuggestedit，bycreasinghisfacewithhistwothumbs，fromthecornersofhismouthtohisears。`Onthetopofthegallowsisfixedtheknife，bladeupwards，withitspointintheair。Heishangedtherefortyfeethigh——andislefthanging，poisoningthewater。

Theylookedatoneanother，asheusedhisbluecaptowipehisface，onwhichtheperspirationhadstartedafreshwhileherecalledthespectacle。

`Itisfrightful，messieurs。Howcanthewomenandthechildrendrawwater!Whocangossipofanevening，underthatshadow!Underit，haveIsaid?WhenIleftthevillage，Mondayeveningasthesunwasgoingtobed，andlookedbackfromthehill，theshadowstruckacrossthechurch，acrossthemill，acrosstheprison——seemedtostrikeacrosstheearth，messieurs，towheretheskyrestsuponit!"

Thehungrymangnawedoneofhisfingersashelookedattheotherthree，andhisfingerquiveredwiththecravingthatwasonhim。

`That"sall，messieurs。Ileftatsunset(asIhadbeenwarnedtodo)，andIwalkedon，thatnightandhalfnextday，untilImet(asIwaswarnedIshould)thiscomrade。Withhim，Icameon，nowridingandnowwalking，throughtherestofyesterdayandthroughlastnight。Andhereyouseeme!"

Afteragloomysilence，thefirstJacquessaid，`Good!Youhaveactedandrecountedfaithfully。Willyouwaitforusalittle，outsidethedoor?"

`Verywillingly，"saidthemenderofroads。WhomDefargeescortedtothetopofthestairs，and，leavingseatedthere，returned。

Thethreehadrisen，andtheirheadsweretogetherwhenhecamebacktothegarret。

`Howsayyou，Jacques?"demandedNumberOne。`Toberegistered?"

`Toberegistered，asdoomedtodestruction，"returnedDefarge。

`Magnificent!"croakedthemanwiththecraving。

`Thechâ；teauandalltherace?"inquiredthefirst。

`Thechâ；teauandalltherace，"returnedDefarge。`Extermination。"

Thehungrymanrepeated，inarapturouscroak，`Magnificent!"

andbegangnawinganotherfinger。

`Areyousure，"askedJacquesTwo，ofDefarge，`thatnoembarrassmentcanarisefromourmannerofkeepingtheregister?Withoutdoubtitissafe，fornoonebeyondourselvescandecipherit；butshallwealwaysbeabletodecipheritor，Ioughttosay，willshe?"

`Jacques，"returnedDefarge，drawinghimselfup，`ifmadamemywifeundertooktokeeptheregisterinhermemoryalone，shewouldnotloseawordofit——notasyllableofit。Knitted，inherownstitchesandherownsymbols，itwillalwaysbeasplaintoherasthesun。ConfideinMadameDefarge。Itwouldbeeasierfortheweakestpoltroonthatlives，toerasehimselffromexistence，thantoeraseoneletterofhisnameorcrimesfromtheknittedregisterofMadameDefarge。"

Therewasamurmurofconfidenceandapproval，andthenthemanwhohungered，asked:`Isthisrustictobesentbacksoon?Ihopeso。Heisverysimple；ishenotalittledangerous?"

`Heknowsnothing，"saidDefarge；`atleastnothingmorethanwouldeasilyelevatehimselftogallowsofthesameheight。Ichargemyselfwithhim；lethimremainwithme；Iwilltakecareofhim，andsethimonhisroad。Hewishestoseethefineworld——theKing，theQueen，andCourt；lethimseethemonSunday。

`What?"exclaimedthehungryman，staring。`Isitagoodsign，thathewishestoseeRoyaltyandNobility?"

`Jacques，"saidDefarge；judiciouslyshowacatmilk，ifyouwishhertothirstforit。Judiciouslyshowadoghisnaturalprey，ifyouwishhimtobringitdownoneday。"

Nothingmorewassaid，andthemenderofroads，beingfoundalreadydozingonthetopmoststair，wasadvisedtolayhimselfdownonthepallet-bedandtakesomerest。Heneedednopersuasion，andwassoonasleep。

WorsequartersthanDefarge"swine-shop，couldeasilyhavebeenfoundinParisforaprovincialslaveofthatdegree。Savingforamysteriousdreadofmadamebywhichhewasconstantlyhaunted，hislifewasverynewandagreeable。But，madamesatalldayathercounter，soexpresslyunconsciousofhim，andsoparticularlydeterminednottoperceivethathisbeingtherehadanyconnexionwithanythingbelowthesurface，thatheshookinhiswoodenshoeswheneverhiseyelightedonher。For，hecontendedwithhimselfthatitwasimpossibletoforeseewhatthatladymightpretendnext；andhefeltassuredthatifsheshouldtakeitintoherbrightlyornamentedheadtopretendthatshehadseenhimdoamurderandafterwardsRaythevictim，shewouldinfalliblygothroughwithituntiltheplaywasplayedout。

Therefore，whenSundaycame，themenderofroadswasnotenchanted(thoughhesaidhewas)tofindthatmadamewastoaccompanymonsieurandhimselftoVersailles。Itwasadditionallydisconcertingtohavemadameknittingallthewaythere，inapublicconveyance；itwasadditionallydisconcertingyet，tohavemadameinthecrowdintheafternoon，stillwithherknittinginherhandsasthecrowdwaitedtoseethecarriageoftheKingandQueen。

`Youworkhard，madame，"saidamannearher。

`Yes，"answeredMadameDefarge；`Ihaveagooddealtodo。"

`Whatdoyoumake，madame?"

`Manythings。"

`Forinstance——"

`Forinstance，"returnedMadameDefarge，composedly，`shrouds。"

Themanmovedalittlefurtheraway，assoonashecould，andthemenderofroadsfannedhimselfwithhisbluecap:feelingitmightilycloseandoppressive。IfheneededaKingandQueentorestorehim，hewasfortunateinhavinghisremedyathand；for，soonthelarge-facedKingandthefair-facedQueencameintheirgoldencoach，attendedbytheshiningBull"sEyeoftheirCourt，aglitteringmultitudeoflaughingladiesandfinelords；andinjewelsandsilksandpowderandsplendourandelegantlyspurningfiguresandhandsomelydisdainfulfacesofbothsexes，themenderofroadsbathedhimself，somuchtohistemporaryintoxication，thathecriedLonglivetheKing，LonglivetheQueen，Longliveeverybodyandeverything!asifhehadneverheardofubiquitousJacquesinhistime。

Then，thereweregardens，courtyards，terraces，fountains，greenbanks，moreKingandQueen，moreBull"sEye，morelordsandladies，moreLonglivetheyall!untilheabsolutelyweptwithsentiment。Duringthewholeofthisscene，whichlastedsomethreehours，hehadplentyofshoutingandweepingandsentimentalcompany，andIthroughoutDefargeheldhimbythecollar，asiftorestrainhimfromflyingattheobjectsofhisbriefdevotionandtearingthempieces。

`Bravo"saidDefarge，clappinghimonthebackwhenitwasOver，likeapatron；`youareagoodboy!"

Themenderofroadswasnowcomingtohimself，andwasmistrustfulofhavingmadeamistakeinhislatedemonstrations；butno。

`Youarethefellowwewant，"saidDefarge，inhisear；`youmakethesefoolsbelievethatitwilllastforever。Then，theyarethemoreinsolent，anditisthenearerended。"

`Hey!"criedthemenderofroads，reflectively；`that"strue。"

`Thesefoolsknownothing。Whiletheydespiseyourbreath，andwouldstopitforeverandever，inyouorinahundredlikeyouratherthaninoneoftheirownhorsesordogs，theyonlyknowwhatyourbreathtellsthem。

Letitdeceivethem，then，alittlelonger；itcannotdeceivethemtoomuch。"

MadameDefargelookedsuperciliouslyattheclient，andnoddedinconfirmation。

`Astoyou，"saidshe，`youwouldshoutandshedtearsforanything，ifitmadeashowandanoise。Say!Wouldyounot?"

`Truly，madame，Ithinkso。Forthemoment。"

`Ifyouwereshownagreatheapofdolls，andweresetuponthemtopluckthemtopiecesanddespoilthemforyourownadvantage，youwouldpickouttherichestandgayest。Say!Wouldyounot?"

`Trulyyes，madame。"

`Yes。Andifyouwereshownaflockofbirds，unabletofly，andweresetuponthemtostripthemoftheirfeathersforyourownadvantage，youwouldsetuponthebirdsofthefinestfeathers；wouldyounot?"

`Itistrue，madame。"

`Youhaveseenbothdollsandbirdstoday，"saidMadameDefarge，withawaveofherhandtowardstheplacewheretheyhadlastbeenapparent；

`now，gohome!"

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIStillknittingMADAMEDEFARGEandmonsieurherhusbandreturnedamicablytothebosomofSaintAntoine，whileaspeckinabluecaptoiledthroughthedarkness，andthroughthedust，anddownthewearymilesofavenuebythewayside，slowlytendingtowardsthatpointofthecompasswherethechateauofMonsieurtheMarquis，nowinhisgrave，listenedtothewhisperingtrees。Suchampleleisurehadthestonefaces，now，forlisteningtothetreesandtothefountain，thatthefewvillagescarecrowswho，intheirquestforherbstoeatandfragmentsofdeadsticktoburn，strayedwithinsightofthegreatstonecourtyardandterracestaircase，haditborneinupontheirstarvedfancythattheexpressionofthefaceswasaltered。Arumourjustlivedinthevillage——hadafaintandbareexistencethere，asitspeoplehadthatwhentheknifestruckhome，thefaceschanged，fromfacesofpridetofacesofangerandpainalso，thatwhenthatdanglingfigurewashauledupfortyfeeabovethefountain，theychangedagain，andboreacruellookofbeingavenged，whichtheywouldhenceforthbearforever。Inthestonefaceoverthegreatwindowofthebed-chamberwherethemurderwasdone，twofinedintswerepointedoutinthesculpturednose，whicheverybodyrecognised，andwhichnobodyhadseenofold；andonthescarceoccasionswhentwoorthreeraggedpeasantsemergedfromthecrowdtotakeahurriedpeepatMonsieurtheMarquispetrified，askinnyfingerwouldnothavepointedtoitforaminute，beforetheyallstartedawayamongthemossandleaves，likethemorefortunatehareswhocouldfindalivingthere。

Châ；teauandhut，stonefaceanddanglingfigure，theredstainonthestonefloor，andthepurewaterinthevillagewell——thousandsofacresofland——awholeprovinceofFrance——allFranceitself——layunderthenightsky，concentratedintoafainthairbreadthline。Sodoesawholeworld，withallitsgreatnessesandlittlenesses，lieinatwinklingstar。

Andasmerehumanknowledgecansplitarayoflightandanalysethemannerofitscomposition，so，sublimerintelligencesmayreadinthefeebleshiningofthisearthofours，everythoughtandact，everyviceandvirtue，ofeveryresponsiblecreatureonit。

TheDefarges，husbandandwife，camelumberingunderthestarlight，intheirpublicvehicle，tothatgateofPariswhereuntotheirjourneynaturallytended。Therewastheusualstoppageatthebarrierguardhouse，andtheusuallanternscameglancingforthfortheusualexaminationandinquiry。MonsieurDefargealighted；knowingoneortwoofthesoldierythere，andoneofthepolice。Thelatterhewasintimatewith，andaffectionatelyembraced。

WhenSaintAntoinehadagainenfoldedtheDefargesinhisduskywings，andthey，havingfinallyalightedneartheSaint"sboundaries，werepickingtheirwayonfootthroughtheblackmudandoffalofhisstreets，MadameDefargespoketoherhusband:

`Saythen，myfriend；whatdidJacquesofthepolicetellthee?"

`Verylittletonight，butallheknows。Thereisanotherspycommissionedforourquarter。Theremaybemanymore，forallthathecansay，butheknowsofone。"

`Ehwell!"saidMadameDefarge，raisinghereyebrowswithacoolbusinessair。`Itisnecessarytoregisterhim。Howdotheycallthatman?"

`HeisEnglish。"

`Somuchthebetter。Hisname?"

`Barsad，"saidDefarge，makingitFrenchbypronunciation。But，hehadbeensocarefultogetitaccurately，thathethenspeltitwithperfectcorrectness。

`Barsad，，"repeatedmadame。`Good。Christianname?"

`John。"

`JohnBarsad，"repeatedmadame，aftermurmuringitoncetoherself。

`Good。Hisappearance；isitknown?"

`Age，aboutfortyyears；height，aboutfivefeetnine；blackhair；

complexiondark；generally，ratherhandsomevisage；eyesdark，facethin，long，andsallow；noseaquiline，butnotstraight，havingapeculiarinclinationtowardstheleftcheek；expression，therefore，sinister。"

`Ehmyfaith。Itisaportrait!"saidmadame，laughing。`Heshallberegisteredtomorrow。"

Theyturnedintothewine-shop，whichwasclosed(foritwasmidnight)

andwhereMadameDefargeimmediatelytookherpostatherdesk，countedthesmallmoneysthathadbeentakenduringherabsence，examinedthestock，wentthroughtheentriesinthebook，madeotherentriesofherown，checkedtheservingmanineverypossibleway，andfinallydismissedhimtobed。

Thensheturnedoutthecontentsofthebowlofmoneyforthesecondtime，andbeganknottingthemupinherhandkerchief，inachainofseparateknots，forsafekeepingthroughthenight。Allthiswhile，Defarge，withhispipeinhismouth，walkedupanddown，complacentlyadmiring，butneverinterfering；inwhichcondition，indeed，astothebusinessandhisdomesticaffairs，hewalkedupanddownthroughlife。

Thenightwashot，andtheshop，closeshutandsurroundedbysofoulaneighbourhood，wasill-smelling。MonsieurDefarge"solfactorysensewasbynomeansdelicate，butthestockofwinesmeltmuchstrongerthanitevertasted，andsodidthestockofrumandbrandyandaniseed。

Hewhiffedthecompoundofscentsaway，asheputdownhissmoked-outpipe。

`Youarefatigued，"saidmadame，raisingherglanceassheknottedthemoney。`Thereareonlytheusualodours。"

`Iamalittletired，"herhusbandacknowledged。

`Youarealittledepressed，too，"saidmadame，whosequickeyeshadneverbeensointentontheaccounts，buttheyhadhadarayortwoforhim。`Oh，themen，themen!"

`Butmydear!"beganDefarge。

`Butmydear!"repeatedmadame，noddingfirmly；`butmydear!

Youarefaintofhearttonight，mydear!"

`Well，then，"saidDefarge，asifathoughtwerewrungOutofhisbreast，`itisalongtime。"

`Itisalongtime，"repeatedhiswife；`andwhenisitnotalongtime?Vengeanceandretributionrequirealongtime；itistherule。"

`ItdoesnottakealongtimetostrikeamanwithLightning，"

saidDefarge。

`Howlong，"demandedmadame，composedly，`doesittaketomakeandstorethelightning?Tellme。"

Defargeraisedhisheadthoughtfully，asifthereweresomethinginthattoo。

`Itdoesnottakealongtime，"saidmadame，`foranearthquaketoswallowatown。Ehwell!Tellmehowlongittakestopreparetheearthquake?"

`Alongtime，Isuppose，"saidDefarge。

`Butwhenitisready，ittakesplace，andgrindstopieceseverythingbeforeit。Inthemeantime，itisalwayspreparing，thoughitisnotseenorheard。Thatisyourconsolation。Keepit。"

Shetiedaknotwithflashingeyes，asifitthrottledafoe。

`Itellthee，"saidmadame，extendingherrighthand，foremphasis，`thatalthoughitisalongtimeontheroad，itisontheroadandcoming。

Itelltheeitneverretreats，andneverstops。Itelltheeitisalwaysadvancing。Lookaroundandconsiderthelivesofalltheworldthatweknow，considerthefacesofalltheworldthatweknow，considertherageanddiscontenttowhichtheJacquerieaddressesitselfwithmoreandmoreofcertaintyeveryhour。Cansuchthingslast?Bah!Imockyou。"

`Mybravewife，"returnedDefarge，standingbeforeherwithhisheadalittlebent，andhishandsclaspedathisback，likeadocileandattentivepupilbeforehiscatechist，`Idonotquestionallthis。Butithaslastedalongtime，anditispossible——youknowwell，mywife，itispossible——thatitmaynotcome，duringourlives。"

`Ehwell!Howthen?"demandedmadame，tyinganotherknot，asiftherewereanotherenemystrangled。

`Well!"saidDefarge，withahalf-complainingandhalfapologeticshrug。`Weshallnotseethetriumph。"

Weshallhavehelpedit，"returnedmadame，withherextendedhandinstrongaction。`Nothingthatwedo，isdoneinvain。Ibelieve，withallmysoul，thatweshallseethetriumph。Butevenifnot，evenifI

knewcertainlynot，showmetheneckofanaristocratandtyrant，andstillIwould——"

Thenmadame，withherteethset，tiedaveryterribleknotindeed。

`Hold!"criedDefarge，reddeningalittleasifhefeltchargedwithcowardice；`Itoo，mydear，willstopatnothing。"

`Yes!Butitisyourweaknessthatyousometimesneedtoseeyourvictimandyouropportunity，tosustainyou。Sustainyourselfwithoutthat。

Whenthetimecomes，letlooseatigerandadevil；butwaitforthetimewiththetigerandthedevilchained——notshown——yetalwaysready。"

Madameenforcedtheconclusionofthispieceofadvicebystrikingherlittlecounterwithherchainofmoneyasifsheknockeditsbrainsout，andthengatheringtheheavyhandkerchiefunderherarminaserenemanner，andobservingthatitwastimetogotobed。

Nextnoontidesawtheadmirablewomaninherusualplaceinthewine-shop，knittingawayassiduously。Aroselaybesideher，andifshenowandthenglancedattheflower，itwaswithnoinfractionofherusualpreoccupiedair。Therewereafewcustomers，drinkingornotdrinking，standingorseated，sprinkledabout。Thedaywasveryhot，andheapsofflies，whowereextendingtheirinquisitiveandadventurousperquisitionsintoalltheglutinouslittleglassesnearmadame，felldeadatthebottom。

Theirdeceasemadenoimpressionontheotherfliesoutpromenading，wholookedattheminthecoolestmanner(asiftheythemselveswereelephants，orsomethingasfarremoved)，untiltheymetthesamefate。Curioustoconsiderhowheedlessfliesare!——perhapstheythoughtasmuchatCourtthatsunnysummerday。

AfigureenteringatthedoorthrewashadowonMadameDefargewhichshefelttobeanewone。Shelaiddownherknitting，andbegantopinherroseinherhead-dress，beforeshelookedatthefigure。

Itwascurious。ThemomentMadameDefargetookuptherose，thecustomersceasedtalking，andbegangraduallytodropoutofthewine-shop。

`Goodday，madame，"saidthenewcomer。

`Goodday，monsieur。"

Shesaiditaloud，butaddedtoherselfassheresumedherknitting:

`Hah!Goodday，ageaboutforty，heightaboutfivefeetnine，blackhair，generallyratherhandsomevisage，complexiondark，eyesdark，thinlongandsallowface，aquilinenosebutnotstraight，havingapeculiarinclinationtowardstheleftcheekwhichimpartsasinisterexpression!Goodday，oneandall!"