第11章

`Havethegoodnesstogivemealittleglassofoldcognac，andamouthfulofcoolfreshwater，madame。"

Madamecompliedwithapoliteair。

`Marvellouscognacthis，madame!"

Itwasthefirsttimeithadeverbeensocomplimented，andMadameDefargeknewenoughofitsantecedentstoknowbetter。Shesaid，however，thatthecognacwasflattered，andtookupherknitting。Thevisitorwatchedherfingersforafewmoments，andtooktheopportunityofobservingtheplaceingeneral。

`Youknitwithgreatskill，madame。"

`Iamaccustomedtoit。"

`Aprettypatterntoo!"

`Youthinkso?"saidmadame，lookingathimwithasmile。

`Decidedly。Mayoneaskwhatitisfor?"

`Pastime，"saidmadame，stilllookingathimwithasmile，whileherfingersmovednimbly。

`Notforuse?"

`Thatdepends。Imayfindauseforitoneday。IfIdo——well，"

saidmadame，drawingabreathandnoddingherheadwithasternkindofcoquetry，`I"lluseit!"

Itwasremarkable:butthetasteofSaintAntoineseemedtobedecidedlyopposedtoaroseontheheaddressofMadameDefarge。Twomenhadenteredseparately，andhadbeenabouttoorderdrink，when，catchingsightofthatnovelty，theyfaltered，madeapretenceoflookingaboutasifforsomefriendwhowasnotthere，andwentaway。Nor，ofthosewhohadbeentherewhenthisvisitorentered，wasthereoneleft。Theyhadalldroppedoff。Thespyhadkepthiseyesopen，buthadbeenabletodetectnosign。Theyhadloungedawayinapoverty-stricken，purposeless，accidentalmanner，quitenaturalandunimpeachable。

`JOHN，"thoughtmadame，checkingoffherworkasherfingersknitted，andhereyeslookedatthestranger。，`Staylongenough，andIshallknit``BARSAD""beforeyougo。"

`Youhaveahusband，madame?"

`Ihave。"

`Children?"

`Nochildren。"

`Businessseemsbad?"

`Businessisverybad；thepeoplearesopoor。"

`Ah，theunfortunate，miserablepeople!Sooppressed，too——asyousay。"

`Asyousay，"madameretorted，correctinghim，anddeftlyknittinganextrasomethingintohisnamethatbodedhimnogood。

`Pardonme；certainlyitwasIwhosaidso，butyounaturallythinkso。Ofcourse。"

`Ithink?"returnedmadame，inahighvoice。`Iandmyhusbandhaveenoughtodotokeepthiswine-shopopen，withoutthinking。

Allwethink，here，ishowtolive。Thatisthesubjectwethinkof，anditgivesus，frommorningtonight，enoughtothinkabout，withoutembarrassingourheadsconcerningothers。Ithinkforothers?No，no。"

Thespy，whowastheretopickupanycrumbshecouldfindormake，didnotallowhisbaffledstatetoexpressitselfinhissinisterface；but，stoodwithanairofgossipinggallantry，leaninghiselbowonMadameDefarge"slittlecounter，andoccasionallysippinghiscognac。

`Abadbusinessthis，madame，ofGaspard"sexecution。Ah!thepoorGaspard!"Withasighofgreatcompassion。

`Myfaith!"returnedmadame，coollyandlightly，`ifpeopleuseknivesforsuchpurposes，theyhavetopayforit。Heknewbeforehandwhatthepriceofhisluxurywas；hehaspaidtheprice。"

`Ibelieve，"saidthespy，droppinghissoftvoicetoatonethatinvitedconfidence，andexpressinganinjuredrevolutionarysusceptibilityineverymuscleofhiswickedface:`Ibelievethereismuchcompassionandangerinthisneighbourhood，touchingthepoorfellow?Betweenourselves。"

`Isthere?"askedmadame，vacantly。

`Istherenot?"

`——Hereismyhusband!"saidMadameDefarge。

Asthekeeperofthewine-shopenteredatthedoor，thespysalutedhimbytouchinghishat，andsaying，withanengagingsmile，`Goodday，Jacques!"Defargestoppedshort，andstaredathim。

`Goodday，Jacques!"thespyrepeated；withnotquitesomuchconfidence，orquitesoeasyasmileunderthestare。

`Youdeceiveyourself，monsieur，"returnedthekeeperofthewine-shop。

`Youmistakemeforanother。Thatisnotmyname。IamErnestDefarge。"

`Itisallthesame，"saidthespy，airily，butdiscomfitedtoo:

`goodday!"

`Goodday!"answeredDefarge，drily。

`Iwassayingtomadame，withwhomIhadthepleasureofchattingwhenyouentered，thattheytellmethereis——andnowonder!——muchsympathyandangerinSaintAntoine，touchingtheunhappyfateofpoorGaspard。"

`Noonehastoldmeso，"saidDefarge，shakinghishead。`Iknownothingofit。"

Havingsaidit，hepassedbehindthelittlecounter，andstoodwithhishandonthebackofhiswife"schair，lookingoverthatbarrieratthepersontowhomtheywerebothopposed，andwhomeitherofthemwouldhaveshotwiththegreatestsatisfaction。

Thespy，wellusedtohisbusiness，didnotchangehisunconsciousattitude，butdrainedhislittleglassofcognac，tookasipoffreshwater，andaskedforanotherglassofcognac。MadameDefargepoureditoutforhim，tooktoherknittingagain，andhummedalittlesongoverit。

`Youseemtoknowthisquarterwell；thatistosay，betterthanIdo?"observedDefarge。

`Notatall，butIhopetoknowitbetter。Iamsoprofoundlyinterestedinitsmiserableinhabitants。"

`Hah!"mutteredDefarge。

`Thepleasureofconversingwithyou，MonsieurDefarge，recallstome，"pursuedthespy，`thatIhavethehonourofcherishingsomeinterestingassociationswithyourname。"

`Indeed!"saidDefarge，withmuchindifference。

`Yes，indeed。WhenDr。Manettewasreleased，you，hisolddomestic，hadthechargeofhim，Iknow。Hewasdeliveredtoyou。YouseeIaminformedofthecircumstances?"

`Suchisthefact，certainly，"saidDefarge。Hehadhaditconveyedtohim，inanaccidentaltouchofhiswife"selbowassheknittedandwarbled，thathewoulddobesttoanswer，butalwayswithbrevity。

`Itwastoyou，"saidthespy，`thathisdaughtercame；anditwasfromyourcarethathisdaughtertookhim，accompaniedbyaneatbrownmonsieur；howishecalled?——inalittlewig——Lorry——ofthebankofTellsonandCompany——overtoEngland。"

`Suchisthefact，"repeatedDefarge。

`Veryinterestingremembrances"saidthespy。`IhaveknownDr。

Manetteandhisdaughter，inEngland。"

`Yes?"saidDefarge。

`Youdon"thearmuchaboutthemnow?"saidthespy。

`No，"saidDefarge。

`Ineffect，"madamestruckin，lookingupfromherworkandherlittlesong，`weneverhearaboutthem。Wereceivedthenewsoftheirsafearrival，andperhapsanotherletter，orperhapsMo；but，sincethen，theyhavegraduallytakentheirroadinlife——we，ours——andwehaveheldnocorrespondence。"

`Perfectlyso，madame，"repliedthespy。`Sheisgoingtobemarried。"

`Going?"echoedmadame。`Shewasprettyenoughtohavebeenmarriedlongago。YouEnglisharecold，itseemstome。"

`Oh!YouknowIamEnglish。"

`Iperceiveyourtongueis，"returnedmadame；`andwhatthetongueis，Isupposethemanis。"

Hedidnottaketheidentificationasacompliment；buthemadethebestofit，andturneditoffwithalaugh。Aftersippinghiscognactotheend，headded:

`Yes，MissManetteisgoingtobemarried。ButnottoanEnglishman；

toonewho，likeherself，isFrenchbybirth。AndspeakingofGaspard(ah，poorGaspard!Itwascruel，cruel!)itisacuriousthingthatsheisgoingtomarrythenephewof"MonsieurtheMarquis，forwhomGaspardwasexaltedtothatheightofsomanyfeet；inotherwords，thepresentMarquis。ButhelivesunknowninEngland，heisnoMarquisthere；heisMr。CharlesDarnay。D"Aulnaisisthenameofhismother"sfamily。"

MadameDefargeknittedsteadily，buttheintelligencehadapalpableeffectuponherhusband。Dowhathewould，behindthelittlecounter，astothestrikingofalightandthelightingofhispipe，hewastroubled，andhishandwasnottrustworthy。Thespywouldhavebeennospyifhehadfailedtoseeit，ortorecorditinhismind。

Havingmade，atleast，thisonehit，whateveritmightprovetobeworth，andnocustomerscomingintohelphimtoanyother，Mr。Barsadpaidforwhathehaddrunk，andtookhisleave:takingoccasiontosay，inagenteelmanner，beforehedeparted，thathelookedforwardtothepleasureofseeingMonsieurandMadameDefargeagain。ForsomeminutesafterhehademergedintotheouterpresenceofSaintAntoine，thehusbandandwiferemainedexactlyashehadleftthem，lestheshouldcomeback。

`Canitbetrue，"saidDefarge，inalowvoice，lookingdownathiswifeashestoodsmokingwithhishandonthebackofherchair:`whathehassaidofMa"amselleManette?"

`Ashehassaidit，"returnedmadame，liftinghereyebrowsalittle，`itisprobablyfalse。Butitmaybetrue。"

`Ifitis——"Defargebegan，andstopped。

`Ifitis?"repeatedhiswife。

`——Andifitdoescome，whilewelivetoseeittriumph——Ihope，forhersake，DestinywillkeepherhusbandoutofFrance。"

`Herhusband"sdestiny，"saidMadameDefarge，withherusualcomposure，`willtakehimwhereheistogo，andwillleadhimtotheendthatistoendhim。ThatisallIknow。"

`Butitisverystrange——now，atleast，isitnotverystrange"——saidDefarge，ratherpleadingwithhiswifetoinducehertoadmitit，`that，afteralloursympathyforMonsieurherfather，andherself，herhusband"snameshouldbeproscribedunderyourhandatthismoment，bythesideofthatinfernaldog"swhohasjustleftus?"

`Strangerthingsthanthatwillhappenwhenitdoescome，"answeredmadame。`Ihavethembothhere，ofacertainty；andtheyarebothherefortheirmerits；thatisenough。"

Sherolledupherknittingwhenshehadsaidthosewords，andpresentlytooktheroseoutofthehandkerchiefthatwaswoundaboutherhead。EitherSaintAntoinehadaninstinctivesensethattheobjectionabledecorationwasgoneorSaintAntoinewasonthewatchforitsdisappearance；

howbeit，theSainttookcouragetoloungein，veryshortlyafterwards，andthewine-shoprecovereditshabitualaspect。

Intheevening，atwhichseasonofallothersSaintAntoineturnedhimselfinsideout，andsatondoorstepsandwindow-ledges，andcametothecornersofvilestreetsandcourts，forabreathofair，MadameDefargewithherworkinherhandwasaccustomedtopassfromplacetoplaceandfromgrouptogroup:aMissionary——thereweremanylikeher——suchastheworldwilldowellnevertobreedagain。Allthewomenknitted。Theyknittedworthlessthings；but，themechanicalworkwasamechanicalsubstituteforeatinganddrinking；thehandsmovedforthejawsandthedigestiveapparatus:ifthebonyfingershadbeenstill，thestomachswouldhavebeenmorefamine-pinched。

But，asthefingerswent，theeyeswent，andthethoughts。AndasMadameDefargemovedonfromgrouptogroup，allthreewentquickerandfierceramongeverylittleknotofwomenthatshehadspokenwith，andleftbehind。

Herhusbandsmokedathisdoor，lookingafterherwithadmiration。

`Agreatwoman，"saidhe，`astrongwoman，agrandwoman，afrightfullygrandwoman!"

Darknessclosedaround，andthencametheringingofchurchbellsandthedistantbeatingofthemilitarydrumsinthePalaceCourt-Yard，asthewomensatknitting，knitting。Darknessencompassedthem。Anotherdarknesswasclosinginassurely，whenthechurchbells，thenringingpleasantlyinmanyanairysteepleoverFrance，shouldbemeltedintothunderingcannon；whenthemilitarydrumsshouldbebeatingtodrownawretchedvoice，thatnightall-potentasthevoiceofPowerandPlenty，FreedomandLife。

Somuchwasclosinginaboutthewomenwhosatknitting，knitting，thattheytheirveryselveswereclosinginaroundastructureyetunbuilt，wheretheyweretositknitting，knitting，countingdroppingheads。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIIOneNightNEVERdidthesungodownwithabrightergloryonthequietcomerinSoho，thanonememorableeveningwhenDoctorandhisdaughtersatundertheplane-treetogether。NeverdidthemoonrisewithamilderradianceovergreatLondon，thanonthatnightwhenitfoundthemstillseatedunderthetree，andshoneupontheirfacesthroughitsleaves。

Luciewastobemarriedto-morrow。Shehadreservedthislasteveningforherfather，andtheysataloneundertheplane-tree。

`Youarehappy，mydearfather?"

`Quite，mychild。"

Theyhadsaidlittlethoughtheyhadbeentherealongtime。Whenitwasyetlightenoughtoworkandread，shehadneitherengagedherselfinherusualwork，norhadshereadtohim。Shehademployedherselfinbothways，athissideunderthetree，manyandmanyatime；but，thistimewasnotquitelikeanyother，andnothingcouldmakeitso。

AndIamveryhappyto-night，dearfather。IamdeeplyhappyinthelovethatHeavenhassoblessed——myloveforCharles，andCharles"sloveforme。But，ifmylifewerenottobestillconsecratedtoyou，orifmymarriageweresoarrangedasthatitwouldpartus，evenbythelengthofafewofthesestreets，Ishouldbemoreunhappyandself-reproachfulnowthanIcantellyou。Evenasitis——"

Evenasitwas，shecouldnotcommandhervoice。

Inthesadmoonlight，sheclaspedhimbytheneck，andladherfaceuponhisbreast。Inthemoonlightwhichisalwayssad，asthelightofthesunitselfBasthelightcalledhumanlifeis——atitscominganditsgoing。

`Dearestdear!Canyoutellme，thislasttime，thatyoufeelquite，quitesure，nonewaffectionsofmine，andnonewdutiesofmine，willeverinterposebetweenus?Iknowitwell，butdoyouknowit?Inyourownheart，doyoufeelquitecertain?"

Herfatheranswered，withacheerfulfirmnessofconvictionhecouldscarcelyhaveassumed，`Quitesure，mydarling!Morethanthat，"

headded，ashetenderlykissedher:`myfutureisfarbrighter，Lucie，seenthroughyourmarriage，thanitcouldhavebeen——nay，thaniteverwas——withoutit。"

`IfIcouldhopethat，myfather!——"

`Believeit，love!Indeeditisso。Considerhownaturalandhowplainitis，mydear，thatitshouldbeso。You，devotedandyoung，cannotfullyappreciatetheanxietyIhavefeltthatyourlifeshouldnotbewasted"

Shemovedherhandtowardshislips，buthetookitinhis，andrepeatedtheword。

`——wasted，mychild——shouldnotbewasted，struckasidefromthenaturalorderofthings——formysake。Yourunselfishnesscannotentirelycomprehendhowmuchmymindhasgoneonthis；but，onlyaskyourselfhowcouldmyhappinessbeperfect，whileyourswasincomplete?"

`IfIhadneverseenCharles，myfather，Ishouldhavebeenquitehappywithyou。"

HesmiledatherunconsciousadmissionthatshewouldhavebeenunhappywithoutCharles，havingseenhim；andreplied:

`Mychild，youdidseehim，anditisCharles。IfithadnotbeenCharles，itwouldhavebeenanother。Or，ifithadbeennoother，Ishouldhavebeenthecause，andthenthedarkpartofmylifewouldhavecastitsshadowbeyondmyselfandwouldhavefallenonyou。"

Itwasthefirsttime，exceptatthetrial，ofhereverhearinghimrefertotheperiodofhissuffering。Itgaveherastrangeandnewsensationwhilehiswordswereinherears；andsheremembereditlongafterwards。

`See!"saidtheDoctorofBeauvais，raisinghishandtowardsthemoon。`Ihavelookedatherfrommyprison-window，whenIcouldnotbearherlight。IhavelookedatherwhenithasbeensuchtorturetometothinkofhershininguponwhatIhadlost，thatIhavebeatenmyheadagainstmyprison-walls。Ihavelookedather，inastatesodullandlethargic，thatIhavethoughtofnothingbutthenumberofhorizontallines`Icoulddrawacrossheratthefull，andthenumberofperpendicularlineswithwhichIcouldintersectthem。"Headdedinhisinwardandponderingmanner，ashelookedatthemoon，`Itwastwentyeitherway，Iremember，andthetwentiethwasdifficulttosqueezein。"

Thestrangethrillwithwhichsheheardhimgobacktothattime，deepenedashedweltuponit；but，therewasnothingtoshockherinthemannerofhisreference。Heonlyseemedtocontrasthispresentcheerfulnessandfelicitywiththedireendurancethatwasover。

`Ihavelookedather，speculatingthousandsoftimesupontheunbornchildfromwhomIhadbeenrent。Whetheritwasalive。Whetherithadbeenbornalive，orthepoormother"sshockhadkilledit。Whetheritwasasonwhowouldsomedayavengehisfather。(Therewasatimeinmyimprisonment，whenmydesireforvengeancewasunbearable。)Whetheritwasasonwhowouldneverknowhisfather"sstory；whomightevenlivetoweighthepossibilityofhisfather"shavingdisappearedofhisownwillandact。Whetheritwasadaughterwhowouldgrowtobeawoman。"

Shedrewclosertohim，andkissedhischeekandhishand。`I

havepicturedmydaughter，tomyself，asperfectlyforgetfulofme——rather，altogetherignorantofme，andunconsciousofme。Ihavecastuptheyearsofherage，yearafteryear。Ihaveseenhermarriedtoamanwhoknewnothingofmyfate。Ihavealtogetherperishedfromtheremembranceoftheliving，andinthenextgenerationmyplacewasablank。"

`Myfather!Eventohearthatyouhadsuchthoughtsofadaughterwhoneverexisted，strikestomyheartasifIhadbeenthatchild。"

`You，Lucie?Itisoutoftheconsolationandrestorationyouhavebroughttome，thattheseremembrancesarise，andpassbetweenusandthemoononthislastnight——whatdidIsayjustnow?"

Sheknewnothingofyou。Shecarednothingforyou。"

`So!Butonothermoonlightnights，whenthesadnessandthesilencehavetouchedmeinadifferentway——haveaffectedmewithsomethingaslikeasorrowfulsenseofpeace，asanyemotionthathadpainforitsfoundationscould——Ihaveimaginedherascomingtomeinmycell，andleadingmeoutintothefreedombeyondthefortress。Ihaveseenherimageinthemoonlightoften，asInowseeyou；exceptthatIneverheldherinmyarms；itstoodbetweenthelittlegratedwindowandthedoor。But，youunderstandthatthatwasnotthechildIamspeakingof?"

`Thefigurewasnot；the——the——image；thefancy?"

`No。Thatwasanotherthing。Itstoodbeforemydisturbedsenseofsight，butitnevermoved。Thephantomthatmymindpursued，wasanotherandmorerealchild。OfheroutwardappearanceIknownomorethanthatshewaslikehermother。Theotherhadthatlikenesstoo——asyouhave——butwasnotthesame。Canyoufollowme，Lucie?Hardly，IthinkI`doubtyoumusthavebeer，asolitaryprisonertounderstandtheseprisonerperplexeddistinctions。

Hiscollectedandcalmmannercouldnotpreventherbloodfromrunningcold，ashethustriedtoanatomisehisoldcondition。

`Inthatmorepeacefulstate，Ihaveimaginedher，inthemoonlight，comingtomeandtakingmeouttoshowmethatthehomeofhermarriedlifewaslullofherlovingremembranceofherlostfather。Mypicturewasinherroom，andIwasinherprayers。Herlifewasactive，cheerful，useful；hutmypoorhistorypervadeditall。"

`Iwasthatchild，myfather。Iwasnothalfsogood，butinmylovethatwasI。"

`Andsheshowedmeherchildren，"saidtheDoctorofBeauvais，`andtheyhadheardofme，andhadbeentaughttopityme。WhentheypassedaprisonoftheState，theykeptfarfromitsfrowningwalls，andlookedupatitsbars，andspokeinwhispers。Shecouldneverdeliverme；Iimaginedthatshealwaysbroughtmebackaftershowingmesuchthings。Butthen，blessedwiththereliefoftears，Ifelluponmyknees，andblessedher。"

`Iamthatchild，Ihope，myfather。Omydear，mydear，willyoublessmeasferventlyto-morrow?"

`Lucie，IrecalltheseoldtroublesinthereasonthatIhaveto-nightforlovingyoubetterthanwordscantell，andthankingGodformygreathappiness。Mythoughts，whentheywerewildest，neverrosenearthehappinessthatIhaveknownwithyou，andthatwehavebeforeus。

Heembracedher，solemnlycommendedhertoHeaven，andhumblythankedHeavenforhavingbestowedheronhim。By-and-by，theywentintothehouse。

TherewasnoonehiddentothemarriagebutMr。Lorry；therewaseventobenobridesmaidbutthegauntMissPross。Themarriagewastomakenochangeintheirplaceofresidence；theyhadbeenabletoextendit，bytakingtothemselvestheupperroomsformerlybelongingtotheapocryphalinvisiblelodger，andtheydesirednothingmore。

DoctorManettewasverycheerfulatthelittlesupper。Theywereonlythreeattable，andMissProssmadethethird。HeregrettedthatCharleswasnotthere；wasmorethanhalfdisposedtoobjecttothelovinglittleplotthatkepthimaway；anddranktohimaffectionately。

So，thetimecameforhimtobidLuciegoodnight，andtheyseparated。

But，inthestillnessofthethirdhourofthemorning，Luciecamedownstairsagain，andstoleintohisroom；notfreefromunshapedfears，beforehand。

Allthings，however，wereintheirplaces；allwasquiet；andhelayasleep，hiswhitehairpicturesqueontheuntroubledpillow，andhishandslyingquietonthecoverlet。Sheputherneedlesscandleintheshadowatadistance，creptuptohisbed，andputherlipstohis；then，leanedoverhim，andlookedathim。

Intohishandsomeface，thebitterwatersofcaptivityhadworn；

but，hecovereduptheirtrackswithadeterminationsostrong，thatheheldthemasteryofthemeveninhissleep。Amoreremarkablefaceinitsquiet，resolute，andguardedstrugglewithanunseenassailant，wasnottobebeheldinallthewidedominionsofsleep，thatnight。

Shetimidlylaidherhandonhisdearbreast，andputupaprayerthatshemighteverbeastruetohimasherloveaspiredtobe，andashissorrowsdeserved。Then，shewithdrewherhand，andkissedhislipsoncemore，andwentaway。So，thesunrisecame，andtheshadowsoftheleavesoftheplane-treemoveduponhisface，assoftlyasherlipshadmovedinprayingforhim。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIIINineDaysTHEmarriage-daywasshiningbrightly，andtheywerereadyoutsidethecloseddooroftheDoctor"sroom，wherehewasspeakingwithCharlesDarnay。

Theywerereadytogotochurch；thebeautifulbride，Mr。Lorry，andMissPross——towhomtheevent，throughagradualprocessofreconcilementtotheinevitable，wouldhavebeenoneofabsolutebliss，butfortheyetlingeringconsiderationthatherbrotherSolomonshouldhavebeenthebridegroom。

`Andso，"saidMr。Lorry，whocouldnotsufficientlyadmirethebride，andwhohadbeenmovingroundhertotakeineverypointofherquiet，prettydress；`andsoitwasforthis，mysweetLucie，thatIbroughtyouacrosstheChannel，suchababy!Lordblessme!HowlittleIthoughtwhatIwasdoing!HowlightlyIvaluedtheobligationIwasconferringonmyfriendMr。Charles!"

`Youdidn"tmeanit，"remarkedthematter-of-factMissPross，`andthereforehowcouldyouknowit?Nonsense!"

`Really?Well；butdon"tcry，"saidthegentleMr。Lorry。

`Iamnotcrying，"saidMissPross；`youare。

`I，myPross?"(Bythistime，Mr。Lorrydaredtobepleasantwithher，onoccasion。)

`Youwere，justnow；Isawyoudoit，andIdon"twonderatit。

Suchapresentofplateasyouhavemade`em，isenoughtobringtearsintoanybody"seyes。There"snotaforkoraspooninthecollection，"

saidMissPross，`thatIdidn"tcryover，lastnightaftertheboxcame，tillIcouldn"tseeit。"

`Iamhighlygratified，"saidMr。Lorry，`though，uponmyhonour，Ihadnointentionofrenderingthosetriflingarticlesofremembranceinvisibletoanyone。Dearme!Thisisanoccasionthatmakesamanspeculateonallhehaslost。Dear，dear，dear!TothinkthattheremighthavebeenaMrs。Lorry，anytimethesefiftyyearsalmost!"

`Notatall!"FromMissPross。

`YouthinktherenevermighthavebeenaMrs。Lorry?"askedthegentlemanofthatname。

`Pooh!"rejoinedMissPross；`youwereabachelorinyourcradle。"

`Well!"observedMr。Lorry，beaminglyadjustinghislittlewig，`thatseemsprobable，too。

`Andyouwerecutoutforabachelor，"pursuedMissPross，`beforeyouwereputinyourcradle。"

`Then，Ithink，"saidMr。Lorry，`thatIwasveryunhandsomelydealtwith，andthatIoughttohavehadavoiceintheselectionofmypattern。Enough!Now，mydearLucie，"drawinghisarmsoothinglyroundherwaist，`Ihearthemmovinginthenextroom，andMissProssandI，astwoformalfolksofbusiness，areanxiousnottolosethefinalopportunityofsayingsomethingtoyouthatyouwishtohear。Youleaveyourgoodfather，mydear，inhandsasearnestandaslovingasyourown；heshallbetakeneveryconceivablecareof；duringthenextfortnight，whileyouareinWarwickshireandthereabouts，evenTellson"sshallgotothewall(comparativelyspeaking)beforehim。Andwhen，atthefortnight"send，hecomestojoinyouandyourbelovedhusband，onyourotherfortnight"stripinWales，youshallsaythatwehavesenthimtoyouinthebesthealthandinthehappiestframe。NowIhearSomebody"sstepcomingtothedoor。Letmekissmydeargirlwithanold-fashionedbachelorblessing，beforeSomebodycomestoclaimhisown。"

Foramoment，heheldthefairfacefromhimtolookatthewell-rememberedexpressionontheforehead，andthenlaidthebrightgoldenhairagainsthislittlebrownwig，withagenuinetendernessanddelicacywhich，ifsuchthingsbeold-fashioned，wereasoldasAdam。

ThedooroftheDoctor"sroomopened，andhecameoutwithCharlesDarnay。Hewassodeadlypale——whichhadnotbeenthecasewhentheywentintogether——thatnovestigeofcolourwastobeseeninhisface。But，inthecomposureofhismannerhewasunaltered，exceptthattotheshrewdglanceofMr。Lorryitdisclosedsomeshadowyindicationthattheoldairofavoidanceanddreadhadlatelypassedoverhim，likeacoldwind。

Hegavehisarmtohisdaughter，andtookherdownstairstothechariotwhichMr。Lorryhadhiredinhonouroftheday。Therestfollowedinanothercarriage，andsoon，inaneighbouringchurch，wherenostrangeeyeslookedon，CharlesDarnayandLucieManettewerehappilymarried。

Besidestheglancingtearsthatshoneamongthesmilesofthelittlegroupwhenitwasdone，somediamonds，verybrightandsparkling，glancedonthebride"shand，whichwerenewlyreleasedfromthedarkobscurityofoneofMr。Lorry"spockets。Theyreturnedhometobreakfast，andallwentwell，andinduecoursethegoldenhairthathadmingledwiththepoorshoemaker"swhitelocksintheParisgarret，weremingledwiththemagaininthemorningsunlight，onthethresholdofthedooratparting。

Itwasahardparting，thoughitwasnotforlong。Butherfathercheeredher，andsaidatlast，gentlydisengaginghimselffromherenfoldingarms，`Takeher，Charles!Sheisyours!"

Andheragitatedhandwavedtothemfromachaisewindow，andshewasgone。

Thecornerbeingoutofthewayoftheidleandcurious，andthepreparationshavingbeenverysimpleandfew，theDoctor，Mr。Lorry，andMissPross，wereleftquitealone。Itwaswhentheyturnedintothewelcomeshadeofthecoololdhall，thatMr。LorryobservedagreatchangetohavecomeovertheDoctor；asifthegoldenarmupliftedthere，hadstruckhimapoisonedblow。

Hehadnaturallyrepressedmuch，andsomerevulsionmighthavebeenexpectedinhimwhentheoccasionforrepressionwasgone。But，itwastheoldscaredlostlookthattroubledMr。Lorry；andthroughhisabsentmannerofclaspinghishead"anddrearilywanderingawayintohisownroomwhentheygotup-stairs，Mr。LorrywasremindedofDefargethewine-shopkeeper，andthestarlightride。

`Ithink，"hewhisperedtoMissPross，afteranxiousconsideration，`Ithinkwehadbestnotspeaktohimjustnow，oratalldisturbhim。

ImustlookinatTellson"s；soIwillgothereatonceandcomebackpresently。

Then，wewilltakehimarideintothecountry，anddinethere，andallwillbewell。"

ItwaseasierforMr。LorrytolookinatTellson"s，thantolookoutofTellson"s。Hewasdetainedtwohours。Whenhecameback，heascendedtheoldstaircasealone，havingaskednoquestionoftheservant；goingthusintotheDoctorsrooms，hewasstoppedbyalowsoundofknocking。

`GoodGod!"hesaid，withastart。`What"sthat?"

MissPross，withaterrifiedface，wasathisear。`Ome，Ome!

Allislost!"criedshe，wringingherhands。`WhatistobetoldtoLadybird?

Hedoesn"tknowme，andismakingshoes!"

Mr。Lorrysaidwhathecouldtocalmher，andwenthimselfintotheDoctor"sroom。Thebenchwasturnedtowardsthelight，asithadbeenwhenhehadseentheshoemakerathisworkbefore，andhisheadwasbentdown，andhewasverybusy。

`DoctorManette。Mydearfriend，DoctorManette!"

TheDoctorlookedathimforamoment——halfinquiringly，halfasifhewereangryatbeingspokento——andbentoverhisworkagain。

Hehadlaidasidehiscoatandwaistcoat；hisshirtwasopenatthethroat，asitusedtobewhenhedidthatwork；andeventheoldhaggard，fadedsurfaceoffacehadcomebacktohim。Heworkedhard——impatiently——asifinsomesenseofhavingbeeninterrupted。

Mr。Lorryglancedattheworkinhishand，andobservedthatitwasashoeoftheoldsizeandshape。Hetookupanotherthatwaslyingbyhim，andaskedwhatitwas?

`Ayounglady"swalkingshoe，"hemuttered，withoutlookingup"

`Itoughttohavebeenfinishedlongago。Letitbe。"

`But，DoctorManette。Lookatme"

Heobeyed，intheoldmechanicallysubmissivemanner，withoutpausinginhiswork。

`Youknowme，mydearfriend?Thinkagain。Thisisnotyourproperoccupation。Think，dearfriend!"

Nothingwouldinducehimtospeakmore。Helookedup，foraninstantatatime，whenhewasrequestedtodoso；but，nopersuasionwouldextractawordfromhim。Heworked，andworked，andworked，insilence，andwordsfellonhimastheywouldhavefallenonanecholesswall，orontheair。

TheonlyrayofhopethatMr。Lorrycoulddiscover，was，thathesometimesfurtivelylookedupwithoutbeingasked。Inthat，thereseemedafaintexpressionofcuriosityorperplexity——asthoughheweretryingtoreconcilesomedoubtsinhismind。

TwothingsatonceimpressedthemselvesonMr。Lorry，asimportantaboveallothers；thefirst，thatthismustbekeptsecretfromLucie；

thesecondthatitmustbekeptsecretfromallwhoknewhim。InconjunctionwithMissPross，hetookimmediatestepstowardsthelatterprecaution，bygivingoutthattheDoctorwasnotwell，andrequiredafewdaysofcompleterest。Inaidofthekinddeceptiontobepractisedonhisdaughter，MissProsswastowrite，describinghishavingbeencalledawayprofessionally，andreferringtoanimaginaryletteroftwoorthreehurriedlinesinhisownhand，representedtohavebeenaddressedtoherbythesamepost。

Thesemeasures，advisabletobetakeninanycase，Mr。Lorrytookinthehopeofhiscomingtohimself。Ifthatshouldhappensoon，hekeptanothercourseinreserve；whichwas，tohaveacertainopinionthathethoughtthebest，ontheDoctor"scase。

Inthehopeofhisrecovery，andofresorttothisthirdcoursebeingtherebyrenderedpracticable，Mr。Lorryresolvedtowatchhimattentively，withaslittleappearanceaspossibleofdoingso。HethereforemadearrangementstoabsenthimselffromTellson"sforthefirsttimeinhislife，andtookhispostbythewindowinthesameroom。

Hewasnotlongindiscoveringthatitwasworsethanuselesstospeaktohim，since，onbeingpressed，hebecameworried。Heabandonedthatattemptonthefirstday，andresolvedmerelytokeephimselfalwaysbeforehim，asasilentprotestagainstthedelusionintowhichhehadfallen，orwasfalling。Heremained，therefore，inhisseatnearthewindow，readingandwriting，andexpressinginasmanypleasantandnaturalwaysashecouldthinkofthatitwasafreeplace。

DoctorManettetookwhatwasgivenhimtoeatanddrink，andworkedon，thatfirstday，untilitwastoodarktosee——workedon，halfanhourafterMr。Lorrycouldnothaveseen，forhislife，toreadorwrite。Whenheputhistoolsasideasuseless，untilmorning，Mr。Lorryroseandsaidtohim:

`Willyougoout?""

Helookeddownattheflooroneithersideofhimintheoldmanner，lookedupintheoldmanner，andrepeatedintheoldlowvoice:

`Out?"

`Yes；forawalkwithme。Whynot?"

Hemadenoefforttosaywhynot，andsaidnotawordmore。But，Mr。Lorrythoughthesaw，asheleanedforwardonhisbenchinthedusk，withhiselbowsonhiskneesandhisheadinhishands，thathewasinsomemistywayaskinghimself`Whynot?"Thesagacityofthemanofbusinessperceivedanadvantagehere，anddeterminedtoholdit。

MissProssandhedividedthenightintotwowatches，andobservedhimatintervalsfromtheadjoiningroom。Hepacedupanddownforalongtimebeforehelaydown；but，whenhedidfinallylayhimselfdown，hefellasleep。Inthemorning，hewasupbetimes，andwentstraighttohisbenchandtowork。

Onthissecondday，Mr。Lorrysalutedhimcheerfullybyhisname，andspoketohimontopicsthathadbeenoflatefamiliartothem。Hereturnednoreply，butitwasevidentthatheheardwhatwassaid，andthathethoughtaboutit，howeverconfusedly。ThisencouragedMr。LorrytohaveMissProssinwithherwork，severaltimesduringtheday；atthosetimes，theyquietlyspokeofLucie，andofherfatherthenpresent，preciselyintheusualmanner，andasiftherewerenothingamiss。Thiswasdonewithoutanydemonstrativeaccompaniment，notlongenough，oroftenenoughtoharasshim；anditlightenedMr。Lorry"sfriendlyhearttobelievethathelookedupoftener，andthatheappearedtobestirredbysomeperceptionofinconsistenciessurroundinghim。

Whenitfelldarkagain，Mr。Lorryaskedhimasbefore:

`DearDoctor，willyougoout?"

Asbefore，herepeated，`Out?"

`Yes；forawalkwithme。Whynot?"

Thistime，Mr。Lorryfeignedtogooutwhenhecouldextractnoanswerfromhim，and，afterremainingabsentforanhour，returned。Inthemeanwhile，theDoctorhadremovedtotheseatinthewindow，andhadsattherelookingdownattheplane-tree；but，onMr。Lorry"sreturn，heslippedawaytohisbench。

Thetimewentveryslowlyon，andMr。Lorry"shopedarkened，andhisheartgrewheavieragain，andgrewyetheavierandheaviereveryday。

Thethirddaycameandwent，thefourth，thefifth。Fivedays，sixdays，sevendays，eightdays，ninedays。

Withahopeeverdarkening，andwithaheartalwaysgrowingheavierandheavier，Mr。Lorrypassedthroughthisanxioustime。Thesecretwaswellkept，andLuciewasunconsciousandhappy；buthecouldnotfailtoobservethattheshoemaker，whosehandhadbeenalittleoutatfirst，wasgrowingdreadfullyskilful，andthathehadneverbeensointentonhiswork，andthathishandshadneverbeensonimbleandexpert，asintheduskoftheninthevening。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIXAnOpinionWORNoutbyanxiouswatching，Mr。Lorryfellasleepathispost。Onthetenthmorningofhissuspense，hewasstartledbytheshiningofthesunintotheroomwhereaheavyslumberhadovertakenhimwhenitwasdarknight。

Herubbedhiseyesandrousedhimself；buthedoubted，whenhehaddoneso，whetherhewasnotstillasleep。For，goingtothedooroftheDoctor"sroomandlookingin，heperceivedthattheshoemaker"sbenchandtoolswereputasideagain，andthattheDoctorhimselfsatreadingatthewindow。Hewasinhisusualmorningdress，andhisface(whichMr。

Lorrycoulddistinctlysee)，thoughstillverypale，wascalmlystudiousandattentive。

Evenwhenhehadsatisfiedhimselfthathewasawake，Mr。Lorryfeltgiddilyuncertainforsomefewmomentswhetherthelateshoemakingmightnotbeadisturbeddreamofhisown；for，didnothiseyesshowhimhisfriendbeforehiminhisaccustomedclothingandaspect，andemployedasusual；andwasthereanysignwithintheirrange，thatthechangeofwhichhehadsostronganimpressionhadactuallyhappened?

Itwasbuttheinquiryofhisfirstconfusionandastonishment，theanswerbeingobvious。Iftheimpressionwerenotproducedbyarealcorrespondingandsufficientcause，howcamehe，JarvisLorry，there?Howcamehetohavefallenasleep，inhisclothes，onthesofainDr。Manette"sconsulting-room，andtobedebatingthesepointsoutsidetheDoctor"sbedroomdoorintheearlymorning?

Withinafewminutes，MissProssstoodwhisperingathisside。

Ifhehadhadanyparticleofdoubtleft，hertalkwouldofnecessityhaveresolvedit；buthewasbythattimeclearheaded，andhadnone。Headvisedthattheyshouldletthetimegobyuntiltheregularbreakfast-hour，andshouldthenmeettheDoctorasifnothingunusualhadoccurred。Ifheappearedtobeinhiscustomarystateofmind，Mr。Lorrywouldthencautiouslyproceedtoseekdirectionandguidancefromtheopinionhehadbeen，inhisanxiety，soanxioustoobtain。

MissProsssubmittingherselftohisjudgment，theschemewasworkedoutwithcare。Havingabundanceoftimeforhisusualmethodicaltoilette，Mr。Lorrypresentedhimselfatthebreakfast-hourinhisusualwhitelinen，andwithhisusualneatleg。TheDoctorwassummonedintheusualway，andcametobreakfast。

SofarasitwaspossibletocomprehendhimwithoutoversteppingthosedelicateandgradualapproacheswhichMr。Lorryfelttobetheonlysafeadvance，heatfirstsupposedthathisdaughter"smarriagehadtakenplaceyesterday。Anincidentalallusion，purposelythrownout，tothedayoftheweek，andthedayofthemonth，sethimthinkingandcounting，andevidentlymadehimuneasy。Inallotherrespects，however，hewassocomposedlyhimself，thatMr。Lorrydeterminedtohavetheaidhesought。Andthataidwashisown。

Therefore，whenthebreakfastwasdoneandclearedaway，andheandtheDoctorwerelefttogether，Mr。Lorrysaid，feelingly:

`MydearManette，Iamanxioustohaveyouropinion，inconfidence，onaverycuriouscaseinwhichIamdeeplyinterested；thatistosay，itisverycurioustome；perhaps，toyourbetterinformationitmaybelessso。"

Glancingathishands，whichwerediscolouredbyhislatework，theDoctorlookedtroubled，andlistenedattentively。Hehadalreadyglancedathishandsmorethanonce。

`DoctorManette，"saidMr。Lorry，touchinghimaffectionatelyonthearm，`thecaseisthecaseofaparticularlydearfriendofmine。

Praygiveyourmindtoit，andadvisemewellforhissake——andaboveall，forhisdaughter"s——hisdaughter"s，mydearManette。"

`IfIunderstand，"saidtheDoctor，inasubduedtone，`somementalshock——?"

`Yes!"

`Beexplicit，"saidtheDoctor。`Sparenodetail。"

Mr。Lorrysawthattheyunderstoodoneanother，andproceeded。

`MydearManette，itisthecaseofanoldandaprolongedshock，ofgreatacutenessandseveritytotheaffections，thefeelings，the——the——asyouexpressit——themind。Themind。Itisthecaseofashockunderwhichthesuffererwasbornedown，onecannotsayforhowlong，becauseIbelievehecannotcalculatethetimehimself，andtherearenoothermeansofgettingatit。Itisthecaseofashockfromwhichthesuffererrecovered，byaprocessthathecannottracehimself——asIonceheardhimpubliclyrelateinastrikingmanner。Itisthecaseofashockfromwhichhehasrecovered，socompletely，astobeahighlyintelligentman，capableofcloseapplicationofmind，andgreatexertionofbody，andofconstantlymakingfreshadditionstohisstockofknowledge，whichwasalreadyverylarge。But，unfortunately，therehasbeen"——hepausedaddtookadeepbreath——`aslightrelapse。"

TheDoctor，inalowvoice，asked，`Ofhowlongduration?"

`Ninedaysandnights。"

`Howdiditshowitself?Iinfer，"glancingathishandsagain，`intheresumptionofsomeoldpursuitconnectedwiththeshock?"

`Thatisthefact。"

`Now，didyoueverseehim，"askedtheDoctor，distinctlyandcollectedly，thoughinthesamelowvoice，`engagedinthatpursuitoriginally?"

`Once。"

`Andwhentherelapsefellonhim，washeinmostrespects——orinallrespects——ashewasthen?"

`Ithinkinallrespects。"

`Youspokeofhisdaughter。Doeshisdaughterknowoftherelapse?"

`No。Ithasbeenkeptfromher，andIhopewillalwaysbekeptfromher。Itisknownonlytomyself，andtooneotherwhomaybetrusted。"

TheDoctorgraspedhishand，andmurmured，`Thatwasverykind。

Thatwasverythoughtful!"Mr。Lorrygraspedhishandinreturn，andneitherofthetwospokeforalittlewhile。

`Now，mydearManette，"saidMr。Lorry，atlength，inhismostconsiderateandmostaffectionateway，`Iamameremanofbusiness，andunfittocopewithsuchintricateanddifficultmatters。Idonotpossessthekindofinformationnecessary；Idonotpossessthekindofintelligence；

Iwantguiding。ThereisnomaninthisworldonwhomIcouldsorelyforrightguidance，asonyou。Tellme，howdoesthisrelapsecomeabout?Istheredangerofanother?Couldarepetitionofitbeprevented?Howshouldarepetitionofitbetreated?Howdoesitcomeaboutatall?WhatcanIdoformyfriend?Nomanevercanhavebeenmoredesirousinhishearttoserveafriend，thanIamtoservemine，ifIknewhow。ButIdon"tknowhowtooriginate，insuchacase。Ifyoursagacity，knowledge，andexperience，couldputmeontherighttrack，Imightbeabletodosomuch；

unenlightenedandundirected，Icandosolittle。Praydiscussitwithme；prayenablemetoseeitalittlemoreclearly，andteachmehowtobealittlemoreuseful。"

DoctorManettesatmeditatingaftertheseearnestwordswerespoken，andMr。Lorrydidnotpresshim。

`Ithinkso"itprobable，"saidtheDoctor，breakingsilencewithaneffort，`thattherelapseyouhavedescribed，mydearfriend，wasnotquiteunforeseenbyitssubject。"

`Wasitdreadedbyhim?"Mr。Lorryventuredtoask。

`Verymuch。"Hesaiditwithaninvoluntaryshudder。

`Youhavenoideahowsuchanapprehensionweighsonthesufferer"smind，andhowdifficult——howalmostimpossible——itis，forhimtoforcehimselftoutteraworduponthetopicthatoppresseshim。"

`Wouldhe，"askedMr。Lorry，`hesensiblyrelievedifhecouldprevailuponhimselftoimpartthatsecretbroodingtoanyone，whenitisonhim?"

`Ithinkso。Butitis，asIhavetoldyou，nexttoimpossible。

Ievenbelieveit——insomecases——tobequiteimpossible。"

`Now，"saidMr。Lorry，gentlylayinghishandontheDoctor"sarmagain，afterashortsilenceonbothsides，`towhatwouldyoureferthisattack?"

`Ibelieve，"returnedDoctorManette，`thattherehadbeenastrongandextraordinaryrevivalofthetrainofthoughtandremembrancethatwasthefirstcauseofthemalady。Someintenseassociationsofamostdistressingnaturewerevividlyrecalled，Ithink。Itisprobablethattherehadlongbeenadreadlurkinginhismind，thatthoseassociationswouldberecalled——say，undercertaincircumstances——say，onaparticularoccasion。Hetriedtopreparehimselfinvain；perhapstheefforttopreparehimselfmadehimlessabletobearit。"

`Wouldherememberwhattookplaceintherelapse?"askedMr。

Lorry，withnaturalhesitation。

TheDoctorlookeddesolatelyroundtheroom，shookhishead，andanswered，inalowvoice，`Notatall。"

`Now，astothefuture，"hintedMr。Lorry。

`Astothefuture，"saidtheDoctor，recoveringfirmness，`Ishouldhavegreathope。AsitpleasedHeaveninitsmercytorestorehimsosoon，Ishouldhavegreathope。He；yieldingunderthepressureofacomplicatedsomething，longdreadedandlongvaguelyforeseenandcontendedagainst，andrecoveringafterthecloudhadburstandpassed，Ishouldhopethattheworstwasover。"

`Well，well!That"sgoodcomfort。Iamthankful!"saidMr。Lorry。

`Iamthankful!"repeatedtheDoctor，bendinghisheadwithreverence。

`Therearetwootherpoints，"saidMr。Lorry，`onwhichIamanxioustobeinstructed。Imaygoon?

`Youcannotdoyourfriendabetterservice。"TheDoctorgavehimhishand。

`Tothefirst，then。Heisofastudioushabit，andunusuallyenergetic；heapplieshimselfwithgreatardourtotheacquisitionofprofessionalknowledge，totheconductingofexperiments，tomanythings。Now，doeshedotoomuch?"

`Ithinknot。Itmaybethecharacterofhismind，tobealwaysinsingularneedofoccupation。Thatmaybe，inpart，naturaltoit；inpart，theresultofaffliction。Thelessitwasoccupiedwithhealthythings，themoreitwouldbeindangerofturningintheunhealthydirection。Hemayhaveobservedhimself，andmadethediscovery。"

`Youaresurethatheisnotundertoogreatastrain?"

`IthinkIamquitesureofit。"

`MydearManette，ifhewereoverworkednow"

`MydearLorry，Idoubtifthatcouldeasilybe。Therehasbeenaviolentstressinonedirection，anditneedsacounter-weight。"

`Excuseme，asapersistentmanofbusiness。Assumingforamoment，thathewasoverworked；itwouldshowitselfinsomerenewalofthisdisorder?"

`Idonotthinkso。Idonotthink，"saidDoctorManettewiththefirmnessofself-conviction，`thatanythingbuttheonetrainofassociationwouldrenewit。Ithinkthat，hence-forth，nothingbutsomeextraordinaryjarringofthatchordcouldrenewit。Alterwhathashappened，andafterhisrecovery，Ifinditdifficulttoimagineanysuchviolentsoundingofthatstringagain。Itrust，andIalmostbelieve，thatthecircumstanceslikelytorenewitareexhausted。"

Hespokewiththediffidenceofamanwhoknewhowslightathingwouldoversetthedelicateorganisationofthemind，andyetwiththeconfidenceofamanwhohadslowlywonhisassuranceoutofpersonalenduranceanddistress。Itwasnotforhisfriendtoabatethatconfidence。Heprofessedhimselfmorerelievedandencouragedthanhereallywas，andapproachedhissecondandlastpoint。Hefeltittobethemostdifficultofall；

but，rememberinghisoldSundaymorningconversationwithMissPross，andrememberingwhathehadseeninthelastninedays，heknewthathemustfaceit。