第12章

`Theoccupationresumedundertheinfluenceofthispassingafflictionsohappilyrecoveredfrom，"saidMr。Lorry，clearinghisthroat，`wewillcall-Blacksmith"swork，Blacksmith"swork。Wewillsay，toputacaseandforthesakeofillustration，thathehadbeenused，inhisbadtime，toworkatalittleforge。Wewillsaythathewasunexpectedlyfoundathisforgeagain。Isitnotapitythatheshouldkeepitbyhim?"

TheDoctorshadedhisforeheadwithhishand，andbeathisfootnervouslyontheground。

`Hehasalwayskeptitbyhim，"saidMr。Lorry，withananxiouslookathisfriend。`Now，woulditnotbebetterthatheshouldletitgo?"

Still，theDoctor，withshadedforehead，beathisfootnervouslyontheground。

`Youdonotfinditeasytoadviseme?"saidMr。Lorry。

`Iquiteunderstandittobeanicequestion。AndyetIthink——"Andthereheshookhishead，andstopped。

`Yousee，"saidDoctorManette，turningtohimafteranuneasypause，`itisveryhardtoexplain，consistently，theinnermostworkingsofthispoorman"smind。Heonceyearnedsofrightfullyforthatoccupation，anditwassowelcomewhenitcame；nodoubtitrelievedhispainsomuch，bysubstitutingtheperplexityofthefingersfortheperplexityofthebrain，andbysubstituting，ashebecamemorepractised，theingenuityofthehands，fortheingenuityofthementaltorture；thathehasneverbeenabletobearthethoughtofputtingitquiteoutofhisreach。Evennow，whenIbelieveheismorehopefulofhimselfthanhehaseverbeen，andevenspeaksofhimselfwithakindofconfidence，theideathathemightneedthatoldemployment，andnotfindit，giveshimasuddensenseofterror，likethatwhichonemayfancystrikestotheheartofalostchild。"

Helookedlikehisillustration，asheraisedhiseyestoMr。

Lob"sface。`Butmaynot——mind!Iaskforinformation，asaploddingmanofbusinesswhoonlydealswithsuchmaterialobjectsasguineas，shillings，andbank-notes——maynottheretentionofthethinginvolvetheretentionoftheidea?Ifthethingweregone，mydearManette，mightnotthefeargowithit?Inshort，isitnotaconcessiontothemisgiving，tokeeptheforge?"

Therewasanothersilence。

`Yousee，too，"saidtheDoctor，tremulously，`itissuchanoldcompanion。"

`Iwouldnotkeepit，"saidMr。Lorry，shakinghishead；forhegainedinfirmnessashesawtheDoctordisquieted。`Iwouldrecommendhimtosacrificeit。Ionlywantyourauthority。Iamsureitdoesnogood。

Come!Givemeyourauthority，likeadeargoodman。Forhisdaughter"ssake，mydearManette!"

Verystrangetoseewhatastruggletherewaswithinhim!`Inhername，then，letitbedone；Isanctionit。But，Iwouldnottakeitawaywhilehewaspresent。Letitberemovedwhenheisnotthere；lethimmisshisoldcompanionafteranabsence。"

Mr。Lorryreadilyengagedforthat，andtheconferencewasended。

Theypassedthedayinthecountry，andtheDoctorwasquiterestored。

Onthethreefollowingdaysheremainedperfectlywell，andonthefourteenthdayhewentawaytojoinLucieandherhusband。Theprecautionthathadbeentakentoaccountforhissilence，Mr。Lorryhadpreviouslyexplainedtohim，andhehadwrittentoLucieinaccordancewithit，andshehadnosuspicions。

Onthenightofthedayonwhichheleftthehouse，Mr。Lorrywentintohisroomwithachopper，saw，chisel，andhammer，attendedbyMissProsscarryingalight。There，withcloseddoors，andinamysteriousandguiltymanner，Mr。Lorryhackedtheshoemaker"sbenchtopieces，whileMissProssheldthecandleasifshewereassistingatamurder——orwhich，indeed，inhergrimness，shewasnounsuitablefigure。Theburningofthebody(previouslyreducedtopiecesconvenientforthepurpose)wascommencedwithoutdelayinthekitchenfire；andthetools，shoes，andleather，wereburiedinthegarden。Sowickeddodestructionandsecrecyappeartohonestminds，thatMr。LorryandMissPross，whileenragedinthecommissionoftheirdeedandintheremovalofitstraces，almostfelt，andalmostlooked，likeaccomplicesinahorriblecrime。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXAPleaWHENthenewly-marriedpaircamehome，thefirstpersonwhoappeared，toofferhiscongratulations，wasSydneyCarton。Theyhadnotbeenathomemanyhours，whenhepresentedhimself。Hewasnotimprovedinhabits，orinlooks，orinmanner；buttherewasacertainruggedairoffidelityabouthim，whichwasnewtotheobservationofCharlesDarnay。

HewatchedhisopportunityoftakingDarnayasideintoawindow，andofspeakingtohimwhennooneoverheard。

`Mr。Darnay，"saidCarton，`Iwishwemightbefriends。"

`Wearealreadyfriends，Ihope。"

`Youaregoodenoughtosayso，asafashionofspeech；hut，I

don"tmeananyfashionofspeech。Indeed，whenIsayIwishwemightbefriends，Iscarcelymeanquitethat，either。"

CharlesDarnay——Aswasnatural——Askedhim，inallgood-humourandgood-fellowship，whathedidmean?

`Uponmylife，"saidCarton，smiling，`Ifindthateasiertocomprehendinmyownmind，thantoconveytoyours。However，letmetry。YourememberacertainfamousoccasionwhenIwasmoredrunkthan——thanusual?"

`Irememberacertainfamousoccasionwhenyouforcedmetoconfessthatyouhadbeendrinking。"

`Irememberittoo。Thecurseofthoseoccasionsisheavyuponme，forIalwaysrememberthem。Ihopeitmaybetakenintoaccountoneday，whenalldaysareatanendforme!Don"tbealarmed；Iamnotgoingtopreach。"

`Iamnotatallalarmed。Earnestnessinyouisanythingbutalarmingtome。"

`Ah!"saidCarton，withacarelesswaveofhishand，asifhewavedthataway。`Onthedrunkenoccasioninquestion(oneofalargenumber，asyouknow)，Iwasinsufferableaboutlikingyou，andnotlikingyou。

Iwishyouwouldforgetit。"

`Iforgotitlongago。"

`Fashionofspeechagain!But，Mr。Darnay，oblivionisnotsoeasytome，asyourepresentittobetoyou。Ihavebynomeansforgottenit，andalightanswerdoesnothelpmetoforgetit。"

`Ifitwasalightanswer，"returnedDarnay，`Ibegyourforgivenessforit。Ihadnootherobjectthantoturnaslightthing，which，tomysurprise，seemstotroubleyoutoomuch，aside。Ideclaretoyouonthefaithofagentleman，thatIhavelongdismisseditfrommymind。GoodHeaven，whatwastheretodismiss!HaveIhadnothingmoreimportanttoremember，inthegreatserviceyourenderedmethatday?"

`Astothegreatservice，"saidCarton，`Iamboundtoavowtoyou，whenyouspeakofitinthatway，thatitwasmereprofessionalclaptrap。

Idon"tknowthatIcaredwhatbecameofyou，whenIrenderedIt——Mind!

IsaywhenIrenderedit；Iamspeakingofthepast。"

`Youmakelightoftheobligation，"returnedDarnay，`butIwillnotquarrelwithyourlightanswer。"

`Genuinetruth，Mr。Darnay，trustme!Ihavegoneasidefrommypurpose；Iwasspeakingaboutourbeingfriends。Now，youknowme；youknowIamincapableofallthehigherandbetterflightsofmen。Ifyoudoubtit，askStryver，andhe"lltellyouso。"

`Iprefertoformmyownopinion，withouttheaidofhis。"

`Well!Atanyrateyouknowmeasadissolutedogwhohasneverdoneanygood，andneverwill。"

`Idon"tknowthatyou"neverwill。""

`ButIdo，andyoumusttakemywordforit。Well!Ifyoucouldenduretohavesuchaworthlessfellow，andafellowofsuchindifferentreputation，comingandgoingatoddtimes，IshouldaskthatImightbepermittedtocomeandgoasaprivilegedpersonhere；thatImightberegardedasanuseless(andIwouldadd，ifitwerenotfortheresemblanceIdetectedbetweenyouandme)，anunornamental，pieceoffurniture，toleratedforitsoldservice，andtakennonoticeof。IdoubtifIshouldabusethepermission。ItisahundredtooneifIshouldavailmyselfofitfourtimesinayear。Itwouldsatisfyme，Idaresay，toknowthatIhadit。"

`Willyoutry?"

`ThatisanotherwayofsayingthatIamplacedonthefootingIhaveindicated。Ithankyou，Darnay。Imayusethatfreedomwithyourname?"

`Ithinkso，Carton，bythistime。"

Theyshookhandsuponit，andSydneyturnedaway。Withinaminuteafterwards，hewas，toalloutwardappearance，asunsubstantialasever。

Whenhehasgone，andinthecourseofaneveningpassedwithMissPross，theDoctor，andMr。Lorry，CharlesDarnaymadesomementionofthisconversationingeneralterms，andspokeofSydneyCartonasaproblemofcarelessnessandrecklessness。Hespokeofhim，inshort，notbitterlyormeaningtobearharduponhim，butasanybodymightwhosawhimasheshowedhimself。

Hehadnoideathatthiscoulddwellinthethoughtsofhisfairyoungwife；but，whenheafterwardsjoinedherintheirownrooms，hefoundherwaitingforhimwiththeoldprettyliftingoftheforeheadstronglymarked。

`Wearethoughtfulto-night!"saidDarnay，drawinghisarmabouther。

`Yes，dearestCharles，"withherhandsonhisbreast，andtheinquiringandattentiveexpressionfixeduponhim；`weareratherthoughtfulto-night，forwehavesomethingonourmindto-night。"

`Whatisit，myLucie?"

`Willyoupromisenottopressonequestiononme，ifIbegyounottoaskit?"

"WillIpromise?WhatwillInotpromisetomyLove?"

What，indeed，withhishandputtingasidethegoldenhairfromthecheek，andhisotherhandagainsttheheartthatbeatforhim!

`Ithink，Charles，poorMr。Cartondeservesmoreconsiderationandrespectthanyouexpressedforhimto-night。"

`Indeed，myown?Whyso?"

`Thatiswhatyouarenottoaskme?ButIthink——Iknow——hedoes。"

`Ifyouknowit，itisenough。Whatwouldyouhavemedo，myLife?"

`Iwouldaskyou，dearest，tobeverygenerouswithhimalways，andverylenientonhisfaultswhenheisnotby。Iwouldaskyoutobelievethathehasahearthevery，veryseldomreveals，andthattherearedeepwoundsinit。Mydear，Ihaveseenitbleeding。"

`Itisapainfulreflectiontome，saidCharlesDarnay，quiteastounded，`thatIshouldhavedonehimanywrong。Ineverthoughtthisofhim。"

`Myhusband，itisso。Ifearheisnottobereclaimed；thereisscarcelyahopethatanythinginhischaracterorfortunesisreparablenow。But，Iamsurethatheiscapableofgoodthings，gentlethings，evenmagnanimousthings。"

Shelookedsobeautifulinthepurityofherfaithinthislostman，thatherhusbandcouldhavelookedatherasshewasforhours。

`And，OmydearestLove!"sheurged，clingingnearertohim，layingherheaduponhisbreast，andraisinghereyestohis，`rememberhowstrongweareinourhappiness，andhowweakheisinhismisery!"

Thesupplicationtouchedhimhome。`Iwillalwaysrememberit，dearHeart!IwillrememberitaslongasIlive。"

Hebentoverthegoldenhead，andputtherosylipstohis，andfoldedherinhisarms。Ifoneforlornwandererthenpacingthedarkstreets，couldhaveheardherinnocentdisclosure，andcouldhaveseenthedropsofpitykissedawaybyherhusbandfromthesoftblueeyessolovingofthathusband，hemighthavecriedtothenight——andthewordswouldnothavepartedfromhislipsforthefirsttime——

`Godblessherforhersweetcompassion!"

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIEchoingFootstepsAWONDERFULcornerforechoes，ithasbeenremarked，thatcornerwheretheDoctorlived。Everbusilywindingthegoldenthreadwhichboundherhusband，andherfather，andherself，andherolddirectressandcompanion，inalifeofquietbliss，Luciesatinthestillhouseinthetranquillyresoundingcorner，listeningtotheechoingfootstepsofyears。

Atfirst，thereweretimes，thoughshewasaperfectlyhappyyoungwife，whenherworkwouldslowlyfallfromherhands，andhereyeswouldbedimmed。For，therewassomethingcomingintheechoes，somethinglight，afaroff，andscarcelyaudibleyet，thatstirredherhearttoomuch。Flutteringhopesanddoubts——hope，ofaloveasyetunknowntoher:doubts，ofherremaininguponearth，toenjoythatnewdelight——dividedherbreast。Amongtheechoesthen，therewouldarisethesoundoffootstepsatherownearlygrave；andthoughtsofthehusbandwhowouldbeleftsodesolate，andwhowouldmournforhersomuch，swelledtohereyes，andbrokelikewaves。

Thattimepassed，andherlittleLucielayonherbosom。Then，amongtheadvancingechoes，therewasthetreadofhertinyfeetandthesoundofherprattlingwords。Letgreaterechoesresoundastheywould，theyoungmotheratthecradlesidecouldalwayshearthosecoming。Theycame，andtheshadyhousewassunnywithachild"slaugh，andtheDivinefriendofchildren，towhominhertroubleshehadconfidedhers，seemedtotakeherchildinHisarms，asHetookthechildofold，andmadeitasacredjoytoher。

Everbusilywindingthegoldenthreadthatboundthemalltogether，weavingtheserviceofherhappyinfluencethroughthetissueofalltheirlives，andmakingitpredominatenowhere，Lucieheardintheechoesofyearsnonebutfriendlyandsoothingsounds。Herhusband"sstepwasstrongandprosperousamongthem；herfather"sfirmandequal。Lo，MissPross，inharnessofstring，awakeningtheechoes，asanunrulycharger，whip-corrected，snortingandpawingtheearthundertheplane-treeinthegarden!

Evenwhenthereweresoundsofsorrowamongtherest，theywerenotharshnorcruel。Evenwhengoldenhair，likeherown，layinahaloonapillowroundthewornfaceofalittleboy，andhesaid，witharadiantsmile，`Dearpapaandmamma，Iamverysorrytoleaveyouboth，andtoleavemyprettysister；butIamcalled，andImustgo!"thosewerenottearsallofagonythatwettedhisyoungmother"scheek，asthespiritdepartedfromherembracethathadbeenentrustedtoit。Sufferthemandforbidthemnot。TheyseemyFather"sface。OFather，blessedwords!

Thus，therustlingofanAngel"swingsgotblendedwiththeotherechoes，andtheywerenotwhollyofearth，buthadinthemthatbreathofHeaven。Sighsofthewindsthatblewoveralittlegarden-tombweremingledwiththemalso，andbothwereaudibletoLucie，inahushedmurmur——likethebreathingofasummerseaasleepuponasandyshore——asthelittleLucie，comicallystudiousatthetaskofthemorning，ordressingadollathermother"sfootstool，chatteredinthetonguesoftheTwoCitiesthatwereblendedinherlife。

TheechoesrarelyansweredtotheactualtreadofSydneyCarton。

Somehalf-dozentimesayear，atmost，heclaimedhisprivilegeofcominginuninvited，andwouldsitamongthemthroughtheevening，ashehadoncedoneoften。Henevercamethereheatedwithwine。Andoneotherthingregardinghimwaswhisperedintheechoes，whichhasbeenwhisperedbyalltrueechoesforagesandages。

Nomaneverreallylovedawoman，losther，andknewherwithablamelessthoughanunchangedmind，whenshewasawifeandamother，butherchildrenhadastrangesympathywithhim——aninstinctivedelicacyofpityforhim。Whatfinehiddensensibilitiesaretouchedinsuchacase，noechoestell；butitisso，anditwassohere。CartonwasthefirststrangertowhomlittleLucieheldoutherchubbyarms，andhekepthisplacewithherasshegrew。Thelittleboyhadspokenofhim，almostatthelast。`PoorCarton!Kisshimforme!"

Mr。Stryvershoulderedhiswaythroughthelaw，likesomegreatengineforcingitselfthroughturbidwater，anddraggedhisusefulfriendinhiswake，likeaboattowedastern。Astheboatsofavouredisusuallyinaroughplight，andmostlyunderwater，so，Sydneyhadaswampedlifeofit。But，easyandstrongcustom，unhappilysomucheasierandstrongerinhimthananystimulatingsenseofdesertordisgrace，madeitthelifehewastolead；andhenomorethoughtofemergingfromhisstateoflion"sjackal，thananyrealjackalmaybesupposedtothinkofrisingtobealion。Stryverwasrich；hadmarriedafloridwidowwithpropertyandthreeboys，whohadnothingparticularlyshiningaboutthembutthestraighthairoftheirdumplingheads。

Thesethreeyounggentleman，Mr。Stryver，exudingpatronageofthemostoffensivequalityfromeverypore，hadwalkedbeforehimlikethreesheeptothequietcornerinSoho，andhadofferedaspupilstoLucie"shusband:delicatelysaying，`Halloa!herearethreelumpsofbread-and-cheesetowardsyourmatrimonialpicnic，Darnay!"Thepoliterejectionofthethreelumpsofbread-and-cheesehadquitebloatedMr。Stryverwithindignation，whichheafterwardsturnedtoaccountinthetrainingoftheyounggentlemen，bydirectingthemtobewareoftheprideofBeggars，likethattutor-fellow。

HewasalsointhehabitofdeclaimingtoMrs。Stryver，overhisfull-bodiedwine，ontheartsMrs。Darnayhadonceputinpracticeto`catch"him，andonthediamond-cut-diamondartsinhimself，madam，whichhadrenderedhim`nottobecaught。"SomeofhisKing"sBenchfamiliars，whowereoccasionallypartiestothefull-bodiedwineandthelie，excusedhimforthelatterbysayingthathehadtolditsooften，thathebelievedithimself——whichissurelysuchanincorrigibleaggravationofanoriginallybadoffence，astojustifyanysuchoffender"sbeingcarriedofftosomesuitablyretiredspot，andtherehangedoutoftheway。

ThesewereamongtheechoestowhichLucie，sometimespensive，sometimesamusedandlaughing，listenedintheechoingcorner，untilherlittledaughterwassixyearsold。Howneartoherhearttheechoesofherchild"streadcame，andthoseofherowndearfather"s，alwaysactiveandself-possessed，andthoseofherdearhusband"s，neednotbetold。

Nor，howthelightestechooftheirunitedhome，directedbyherselfwithsuchawiseandelegantthriftthatitwasmoreabundantthananywaste，wasmusictoher。Nor，howtherewereechoesallabouther，sweetinherears，ofthemanytimesherfatherhadtoldherthathefoundhermoredevotedtohimmarried(ifthatcouldbe)thansingle，andofthemanytimesherhusbandhadsaidtoherthatnocaresanddutiesseemedtodivideherloveforhimorherhelptohim，andaskedher`Whatisthemagicsecret，mydarling，ofyourbeingeverythingtoallofus，asiftherewereonlyoneofus，yetneverseemingtobehurried，ortohavetoomuchtodo?"

But，therewereotherechoes，fromadistance，thatrumbledmenacinglyinthecornerallthroughthisspaceoftime。Anditwasnow，aboutlittleLucie"ssixthbirthday，thattheybegantohaveanawfulsound，asofagreatstorminFrancewithadreadfulsearising。

Onanightinmid-July，onethousandsevenhundredandeighty-nine，Mr。Lorrycameinlate，fromTellson"s，andsathimselfdownbyLucieandherhusbandinthedarkwindow。Itwasahot，wildnight，andtheywereallthreeremindedoftheoldSundaynightwhentheyhadlookedatthelightningfromthesameplace。

`Ibegantothink，"saidMr。Lorry，pushinghisbrownwigback，`thatIshouldhavetopassthenightatTellson"s。Wehavebeensofullofbusinessallday，thatwehavenotknownwhattodofirst，orwhichwaytoturn。ThereissuchanuneasinessinParis，thatwehaveactuallyarunofconfidenceuponus!Ourcustomersoverthere，seemnottobeabletoconfidetheirpropertytousfastenough。ThereispositivelyamaniaamongsomeofthemforsendingittoEngland。"

`Thathasabadlook，"saidDarnay。

`Abadlook，yousay，mydearDarnay?Yes，butwedon"tknowwhatreasonthereisinit。Peoplearesounreasonable!SomeofusatTellson"saregettingold，andwereallycan"tbetroubledoutoftheordinarycoursewithoutdueoccasion。"

`Still，"saidDarnay，`youknowhowgloomyandthreateningtheskyis。"

`Iknowthat，tobesure，"assentedMr。Lorry，tryingtopersuadehimselfthathissweettemperwassoured，andthathegrumbled，`butI

amdeterminedtobepeevishaftermylongday"sbotheration。WhereisManette?"

`Hereheis，"saidtheDoctor，enteringthedarkroomatthemoment。

`Iamquitegladyouareathome；forthesehurriesandforebodingsbywhichIhavebeensurroundedalldaylong，havemademenervouswithoutreason。Youarenotgoingout，Ihope?"

`No；Iamgoingtoplaybackgammonwithyou，ifyoulike，"saidtheDoctor。

`Idon"tthinkIdolike，ifImayspeakmymind。Iamnotfittobepittedagainstyouto-night。Isthetea-boardstillthere，Lucie?

Ican"tsee。"

`Ofcourse，ithasbeenkeptforyou。"

`Thankye，mydear。Thepreciouschildissafeinbed?"

`Andsleepingsoundly。

`That"sright；allsafeandwell!Idon"tknowwhyanythingshouldbeotherwisethansafeandwellhere，thankGod；butIhavebeensoputoutallday，andIamnotasyoungasIwas!Mytea，mydear!Thankye。

Now，comeandtakeyourplaceinthecircle，andletussitquiet，andheartheechoesaboutwhichyouhaveyourtheory。"

`Notatheory；itwasafancy。"

`Afancy，then，mywisepet，"saidMr。Lorry，pattingherhand。

`Theyareverynumerousandveryloud，though，aretheynot?Onlyhearthem!"

Headlong，mad，anddangerousfootstepstoforcetheirwayintoanybody"slife，footstepsnoteasilymadecleanagainifoncestainedred，thefootstepsraginginSaintAntoineafaroff，asthelittlecirclesatinthedarkLondonwindow。

SaintAntoinehadbeen，thatmorning，avastduskymassofscarecrowsheavingtoandfro，withfrequentgleamsoflightabovethebillowyheads，wheresteelbladesandbayonetsshoneinthesun。AtremendousroararosefromthethroatofSaintAntoine，andaforestofnakedarmsstruggledintheairlikeshrivelledbranchesoftreesinawinterwind:allthefingersconvulsivelyclutchingateveryweaponorsemblanceofaweaponthatwasthrownupfromthedepthsbelow，nomatterhowfaroff。

Whogavethemout，whencetheylastcame，wheretheybegan，throughwhatagencytheycrookedlyquiveredandjerked，scoresatatime，overtheheadsofthecrowd，likeakindoflightning，noeyeinthethrongcouldhavetold；but，musketswerebeingdistributed——sowerecartridges，powder，andball，barsofironandwood，knives，axes，pikes，everyweaponthatdistractedingenuitycoulddiscoverordevise。Peoplewhocouldlayholdofnothingelse，setthemselveswithbleedinghandstoforcestonesandbricksoutoftheirplacesinwalls。EverypulseandheartinSaintAntoinewasonhigh-feverstrainandathigh-feverheat。Everylivingcreaturethereheldlifeasofnoaccount，andwasdementedwithapassionatereadinesstosacrificeit。

Asawhirlpoolofboilingwatershasacentrepoint，so，allthisragingcircledroundDefarge"swine-shop，andeveryhumandropinthecaldronhadatendencytobesuckedtowardsthevortexwhereDefargehimself，alreadybegrimedwithgunpowderandsweat，issuedorders，issuedarms，thrustthismanback，draggedthismanforward，disarmedonetoarmanother，labouredandstroveinthethickestoftheuproar。

`Keepneartome，JacquesThree，"criedDefarge；`anddoyou，JacquesOneandTwo，separateandputyourselvesattheheadofasmanyofthesepatriotsasyoucan。Whereismywife?"

`Eh，well!Hereyouseeme!"saidmadame，composedasever，butnotknittingto-day。Madame"sresoluterighthandwasoccupiedwithanaxe，inplaceoftheusualsofterimplements，andinhergirdlewereapistolandacruelknife。

`Wheredoyougo，mywife?"

`Igo，"saidmadame，`withyouatpresent。Youshallseemeattheheadofwomen，by-and-by。"

`Come，then!"criedDefarge，inaresoundingvoice。`Patriotsandfriends，weareready!TheBastille!"

WitharoarthatsoundedasifallthebreathinFrancehadbeenshapedintothedetestedword，thelivingsearose，waveonwave，depthondepth，andoverflowedthecitytothatpoint。Alarm-bellsringing，drumsbeating，thesearagingandthunderingonitsnewbeach，theattack`begun。

Deepditches，doubledrawbridge，massivestonewalls，eightgreattowers，cannon，muskets，fireandsmoke。Throughthefireandthroughthesmoke——inthefireandinthesmoke，fortheseacasthimupagainstacannon，andontheinstanthebecameacannonier——Defargeofthewine-shopworkedlikeamanfulsoldier，Twofiercehours。

Deepditch，singledrawbridge，massivestonewalls，eightattowers，cannon，muskets，fireandsmoke。Onedrawbridgedown!`Work，comradesall，work!Work，Jacques，JacquesTwo，JacquesOneThousand，JacquesTwoThousand，JacquesFive-and-TwentyThousand；inthenameofalltheAngelsortheDevils——whichyouprefer——work!"ThusDefargeofthewine-shop，stillathisgun，whichhadlonggrownhot。

`Tome，women!"criedmadamehiswife。`What!Wecankillaswellasthemenwhentheplaceistaken!"Andtoher，withashrillthirstycry，troopingwomenvariouslyarmed，butallarmedalikeinhungerandrevenge。

Cannon，muskets，fireandsmoke；but，stillthedeepditch，thesingledrawbridge，themassivestonewalls，andtheeightgreattowers。

Slightdisplacementsoftheragingsea，madebythefallingwounded。Flashingweapons，blazingtorches，smokingwaggon-loadsofwetstraw，hardworkatneighbouringbarricadesinalldirections，shrieks，volleys，execrations，braverywithoutstint，boom，smashandrattle，andthefurioussoundingofthelivingsea；but，stillthedeepditch，andthesingledrawbridge，andthemassivestonewalls，andtheeightgreattowers，andstillDefargeofthewine-shopathisgun，growndoublyhotbytheserviceofFourfiercehours。

Awhiteflagfromwithinthefortress，andaparley——thisdimlyperceptiblethroughtheragingstorm，nothingaudibleinit——suddenlythesearoseimmeasurablywiderandhigher，andsweptDefargeofthewine-shopoverthelowereddraw-bridge，pastthemassivestoneouterwalls，inamongtheeightgreattowerssurrendered!

Soresistlesswastheforceoftheoceanbearinghimon，thateventodrawhisbreathorturnhisheadwasasimpracticableasifhehadbeenstrugglinginthesurfattheSouthSea，untilhewaslandedintheoutercourt-yardoftheBastille。There，againstanangleofawall，hemadeastruggletolookabouthim。JacquesThreewasnearlyathisside；

MadameDefarge，still-headingsomeofherwomen，wasvisibleintheinnerdistance，andherknifewasinherhand。Everywherewastumult，exultation，deafeningandmaniacalbewilderment，astoundingnoise，yetfuriousdumb-show。

`ThePrisoners!"

`TheRecords!"

`Thesecretcells!"

`Theinstrumentsoftorture!"

`ThePrisoners!"

Ofallthesecries，andtenthousandincoherencies，`ThePrisoners!"

wastheCrymosttakenupbytheseathatrushedin，asiftherewereaneternityofpeople，aswellasoftimeandspace。Whentheforemostbillowsrolledpast，bearingtheprisonofficerswiththem，andthreateningthemallwithinstantdeathifanysecretnookremainedundisclosed，Defargelaidhisstronghandonthebreastofoneofthesemen——amanwithagreyhead，whohadalightedtorchinhishand——separatedhimfromtherest，andgothimbetweenhimselfandthewall。

`ShowmetheNorthTower!"saidDefarge。`Quick!"

`Iwillfaithfully，"repliedtheman，`ifyouwillcomewithme。

Butthereisnoonethere。"

`WhatisthemeaningofOneHundredandFive，NorthTower?"askedDefarge。`Quick!"

`Themeaning，monsieur?"

`Doesitmeanacaptive，oraplaceofcaptivity?OrdoyoumeanthatIshallstrikeyoudead?"

`Killhim!"croakedJacquesThree，whohadcomecloseup。

`Monsieur，itisacell。"

`Showitme!"

`Passthisway，then。"

JacquesThree，withhisusualcravingonhim，andevidentlydisappointedbythedialoguetakingaturnthatdidnotseemtopromisebloodshed，heldbyDefarge"sarmasheheldbytheturnkey"s。Theirthreeheadshadbeenclosetogetherduringthisbriefdiscourse，andithadbeenasmuchastheycoulddotohearoneanother，eventhen:sotremendouswasthenoiseofthelivingocean，initsirruptionintotheFortress，anditsinundationofthecourtsandpassagesandstaircases。Allaroundoutside，too，itbeatthewallswithadeep，hoarseroar，fromwhich，occasionally，somepartialshoutsoftumultbrokeandleapedintotheairlikespray。

Throughgloomyvaultswherethelightofdayhadnevershone，pasthideousdoorsofdarkdensandcages，downcavernousflightsofsteps，andagainupsteepruggedascentsofstoneandbrick，morelikedrywaterfallsthanstaircases，Defarge，theturnkey，andJacquesThree，linkedhandandarm，wentwithallthespeedtheycouldmake。Hereandthere，especiallyatfirst，theinundationstartedonthemandsweptby；butwhentheyhaddonedescending，andwerewindingandclimbingupatower，theywerealone。

Hemmedinherebythemassivethicknessofwallsandarches，thestormwithinthefortressandwithoutwasonlyaudibletotheminadull，subduedway，asifthenoiseoutofwhichtheyhadcomehadalmostdestroyedtheirsenseofhearing。

Theturnkeystoppedatalowdoor，putakeyinaclashinglock，swungthedoorslowlyopen，andsaid，astheyallbenttheirheadsandpassedin:

`Onehundredandfive，NorthTower!"

Therewasasmall，heavily-grated，unglazedwindowhighinthewall，withastonescreenbeforeit，sothattheskycouldbeonlyseenbystoopinglowandlookingup。Therewasasmallchimney，heavilybarredacross，afewfeetwithin。Therewasaheapofoldfeatherywood-ashesonthehearth。Therewasastool，andtable，andastrawbed。Therewerethefourblackenedwalls，andarustedironringinoneofthem。

`Passthattorchslowlyalongthesewalls，thatImayseethem，"

saidDefargetotheturnkey。

Themanobeyed，andDefargefollowedthelightcloselywithhiseyes。

`Stop——Lookhere，Jacques!"

`A。M。!"croakedJacquesThree，ashereadgreedily。

`AlexandreManette，"saidDefargeinhisear，followingtheletterswithhisswartforefinger，deeplyengrainedwithgunpowder。`Andherehewrote``apoorphysician。""Anditwashe，withoutdoubt，whoscratchedacalendaronthisstone。Whatisthatinyourhand?Acrowbar?Giveitme!"

Hehadstillthelinstockofhisguninhisownhand。Hemadeasuddenexchangeofthetwoinstruments，andturningontheworm-eatenstoolandtable，beatthemtopiecesinafewblows。

`Holdthelighthigher!"hesaid，wrathfully，totheturnkey。

`Lookamongthosefragmentswithcare，Jacques。Andsee!Hereismyknife，"

throwingittohim；`ripopenthatbed，andsearchthestraw。Holdthelighthigher，you!"

Withamenacinglookattheturnkeyhecrawleduponthehearth，and，peeringupthechimney，struckandprisedatitssideswiththecrowbar，andworkedattheirongratingacrossit。Inafewminutes，somemortaranddustcamedroppingdown，whichheavertedhisfacetoavoid；andinit，andintheoldwood-ashes，andinacreviceinthechimneyintowhichhisweaponhadslippedorwroughtitself，hegropedwithacautioustouch。

`Nothinginthewood，andnothinginthestraw，Jacques?"

`Nothing。"

`Letuscollectthemtogether，inthemiddleofthecell。So!

Lightthem，you!"

Theturnkeyfiredthelittlepile，whichblazedhighandhot。

Stoopingagaintocomeoutatthelow-archeddoor，theyleftitburning，andretracedtheirwaytothecourt-yard；seemingtorecovertheirsenseofhearingastheycamedown，untiltheywereintheragingfloodoncemore。

Theyfounditsurgingandtossing，inquestofDefargehimself。

SaintAntoinewasclamoroustohaveitswine-shopkeeperforemostintheguarduponthegovernorwhohaddefendedtheBastilleandshotthepeople。

Otherwise，thegovernorwouldnotbemarchedtotheHoteldeVilleforjudgment。Otherwise，thegovernorwouldescape，andthepeople"sblood(suddenlyofsomevalue，aftermanyyearsofworthlessness)beunavenged。

Inthehowlinguniverseofpassionandcontentionthatseemedtoencompassthisgrimoldofficerconspicuousinhisgreycoatandreddecoration，therewasbutonequitesteadyfigure，andthatwasawoman"s。

`See，thereismyhusband!"shecried，pointinghimout。`SeeDefarge!"

Shestoodimmovableclosetothegrimoldofficer，andremainedimmovableclosetohim；remainedimmovableclosetohimthroughthestreets，asDefargeandtherestborehimalong；remainedimmovableclosetohimwhenhewasgotnearhisdestination，andbegantobestruckatfrombehind；remainedimmovableclosetohimwhenthelong-gatheringrainofstabsandblowsfellheavy；wassoclosetohimwhenhedroppeddeadunderit，that，suddenlyanimated，sheputherfootuponhisneck，andwithhercruelknife-long`ready-hewedoffhishead。

Thehourwascome，whenSaintAntoinewastoexecutehishorribleideaofhoistingupmenforlampstoshowwhathecouldbeanddo。SaintAntoine"sbloodwasup，andthebloodoftyrannyanddominationbytheironhandwasdown——downonthestepsoftheHoteldeVillewherethegovernor"sbodylay——downonthesoleoftheshoeofMadameDefargewhereshehadtroddenonthebodytosteadyitformutilation。`Lowerthelampyonder!"

criedSaintAntoine，afterglaringroundforanewmeansofdeath；`hereisoneofhissoldierstobeleftonguard!"Theswingingsentinelwasposted，andthesearushedon。

Theseaofblackandthreateningwaters，andofdestructiveupheavingofwaveagainstwave，whosedepthswereyetunfathomedandwhoseforceswereyetunknown。Theremorselessseaofturbulentlyswayingshapes，voicesofvengeance，andfaceshardenedinthefurnacesofsufferinguntilthetouchofpitycouldmakenomarkonthem。

But，intheoceanoffaceswhereeveryfierceandfuriousexpressionwasinvividlife，thereweretwogroupsoffaces——eachseveninnumber——sofixedlycontrastingwiththerest，thatneverdidsearollwhichboremorememorablewreckswithit。Sevenfacesofprisoners，suddenlyreleasedbythestormthathadbursttheirtomb，werecarriedhighoverhead:allscared，alllost，allwonderingandamazed，asiftheLastDaywerecome，andthosewhorejoicedaroundthemwerelostspirits。Othersevenfacestherewere，carriedhigher，sevendeadfaces，whosedroopingeyelidsandhalf-seeneyesawaitedtheLastDay。Impassivefaces，yetwithasuspended——notanabolished——expressiononthem；faces，rather，inafearfulpause，ashavingyettoraisethedroppedlidsoftheeyes，andbearwitnesswiththebloodlesslips，`THOUDIDSTIT!"

Sevenprisonersreleased，sevengoryheadsonpikes，thekeysoftheaccursedfortressoftheeightstrongtowers，somediscoveredlettersandothermemorialsofprisonersofoldtime，longdeadofbrokenhearts，——such，andsuch-like，theloudlyechoingfootstepsofSaintAntoineescortthroughtheParisstreetsinmid-July，onethousandsevenhundredandeighty-nine。

Now，HeavendefeatthefancyofLucieDarnay，andkeepthesefeetfaroutofherlife!For，theyareheadlong，mad，anddangerous；andintheyearssolongafterthebreakingofthecaskatDefarge"swine-shopdoor，theyarenoteasilypurifiedwhenoncestainedred。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIITheSeastillRisesHAGGARDSaintAntoinehadhadonlyoneexultantweek，inwhichtosoftenhismodicumofhardandbitterbreadtosuchextentashecould，withtherelishoffraternalembracesancongratulations，whenMadameDefargesatathercounter，asusual，presidingoverthecustomers。MadameDefargeworenoroseinherhead，forthegreatbrotherhoodofSpieshadbecome，eveninoneshortweek，extremelycharyoftrustingthemselvestothesaint"smercies。Thelampshadaportentouslyelasticswingwiththem。

MadameDefarge，withherarmsfolded，satinthemorninglightandheat，contemplatingthewine-shopandthestreet。Inboth，therewereseveralknotsofloungers，squalidandmiserable，butnowwithamanifestsenseofpowerenthronedontheirdistress。Theraggedestnightcap，awryonthewretchedesthead，hadthiscrookedsignificanceinit:`Iknowhowhardithasgrownforme，thewearerofthis，tosupportlifeinmyself；butdoyouknowhoweasyithasgrownforme，thewearerofthis，todestroylifeinyou?"Everyleanbarearm，thathadbeenwithoutworkbefore，hadthisworkalwaysreadyforitnow，thatitcouldstrike。Thefingersoftheknittingwomenwerevicious，withtheexperiencethattheycouldtear。

TherewasachangeintheappearanceofSaintAntoine；thehammeringintothisforhundredsofyears，andthelastfinishingblowshadtoldmightilyontheexpression。

MadameDefargesatobservingit，withsuchsuppressedapprovalaswastobedesiredintheleaderoftheSaintAntoinewomen。Oneofhersisterhoodknittedbesideher。Theshort，ratherplumpwifeofastarvedgrocer，andthemotheroftwochildrenwithal，thislieutenanthadalreadyearnedthecomplimentarynameofTheVengeance。

`Hark!"saidTheVengeance。`Listen，then!Whocomes?"

AsifatrainofpowderlaidfromtheoutermostboundoftheSaintAntoineQuartertothewine-shopdoor，hadbeensuddenlyfired，afast-spreadingmurmurcamerushingalong。

`ItisDefarge，"saidmadame。`Silence，patriots!"

Defargecameinbreathless，pulledoffaredcaphewore，andlookedaroundhim!`Listen，everywhere!"saidmadameagain。`Listentohim!"Defargestood，panting，againstabackgroundofeagereyesandopenmouths，formedoutsidethedoor；allthosewithinthewine-shophadsprungtotheirfeet。

`Saythen，myhusband。Whatisit?"

`Newsfromtheotherworld!"

`How，then?"criedmadame，contemptuously。`Theotherworld?"

`DoeseverybodyhererecalloldFoulon，whotoldthefamishedpeoplethattheymighteatgrass，andwhodied，andwenttoHell?"

`Everybody!"fromallthroats。

`Thenewsisofhim。Heisamongus!"

`Amongus!"fromtheuniversalthroatagain。`Anddead?"

`Notdead!Hefearedussomuch——andwithreason——thathecausedhimselftoberepresentedasdead，andhadagrandmock-funeral。Buttheyhavefoundhimalive，hidinginthecountry，andhavebroughthimin。I

haveseenhimbutnow，onhiswaytotheHô；teldeVille，aprisoner。

Ihavesaidthathehadreasontofearus。Sayall!Hadhereason?"

Wretchedoldsinnerofmorethanthreescoreyearsandten，ifhehadneverknownityet，hewouldhaveknownitinhisheartofheartsifhecouldhaveheardtheansweringcry。

Amomentofprofoundsilencefollowed。Defargeandhiswifelookedsteadfastlyatoneanother。TheVengeancestooped，andthejarofadrumwasheardasshemoveditatherfeetbehindthecounter。

`Patriots!"saidDefarge，inadeterminedvoice，`areweready?"

InstantlyMadameDefarge"sknifewasinhergirdle；thedrumwasbeatinginthestreets，asifitandadrummerhadflowntogetherbymagic；andTheVengeance，utteringterrificshrieks，andflingingherarmsaboutherheadlikeallthefortyFuriesatonce，wastearingfromhousetohouse，rousingthewomen。

Themenwereterrible，inthebloody-mindedangerwithwhichtheylookedfromwindows，caughtupwhatarmstheyhad，andcamepouringdownintothestreets；but，thewomenwereasighttochilltheboldest。Fromsuchhouseholdoccupationsastheirbarepovertyyielded，fromtheirchildren，fromtheiragedandtheirsickcrouchingonthebaregroundfamishedandnaked，theyranoutwithstreaminghair，urgingoneanother，andthemselves，tomadnesswiththewildestcriesandactions。VillainFoulontaken，mysister!OldFoulontaken，mymother!MiscreantFoulontaken，mydaughter!

Then，ascoreofothersranintothemidstofthese，beatingtheirbreasts，tearingtheirhair，andscreaming，Foulonalive!Foulonwhotoldthestarvingpeopletheymighteatgrass!Foulonwhotoldmyoldfatherthathemighteatgrass，whenIhadnobreadtogivehim!Foulonwhotoldmybabyitmightsuckgrass，whenthesebreastsweredrywithwant!OmotherofGod，thisFoulon!OHeaven，oursuffering!Hearme，mydeadbabyandmywitheredfather:Iswearonmyknees，onthesestones，toavengeyouonFoulon!

Husbands，andbrothers，andyoungmen，GiveusthebloodofFoulon，GiveustheheadofFoulon，GiveustheheartofFoulon，GiveusthebodyandsoulofFoulon，RendFoulontopieces，anddighimintotheground，thatgrassmaygrowfromhim!Withthesecries，numbersofthewomen，lashedintoblindfrenzy，whirledabout，strikingandtearingattheirownfriendsuntiltheydroppedintoapassionateswoon，andwereonlysavedbythemenbelongingtothemfrombeingtrampledunderfoot。

Nevertheless，notamomentwaslost；notamoment!ThisFoulonwasattheHô；teldeVille，andmightbeloosed。Never，ifSaintAntoineknewhisownsufferings，insults，andwrongs!ArmedmenandwomenflockedoutoftheQuartersofast，anddreweventheselastdregsafterthemwithsuchaforceofsuction，thatwithinaquarterofanhourtherewasnotahumancreatureinSaintAntoine"sbosombutafewoldcronesandthewailingchildren。

No。TheywereallbythattimechokingtheHallofExaminationwherethisoldman，uglyandwicked，was，andoverflowingintotheadjacentopenspaceandstreets。TheDefarges，husbandandwife，TheVengeance，andJacquesThree，wereinthefirstpress，andatnogreatdistancefromhimintheHall。

`See!"criedmadame，pointingwithherknife。`Seetheoldvillainboundwithropes。Thatwaswelldonetotieabunchofgrassuponhisback。

Ha，ha!Thatwaswelldone。Lethimeatitnow!"Madameputherknifeunderherarm，andclappedherhandsasataplay。

ThepeopleimmediatelybehindMadameDefarge，explainingthecauseofhersatisfactiontothosebehindthem，andthoseagainexplainingtoothers，andthosetoothers，theneighbouringstreetsresoundedwiththeclappingofhands。Similarly，duringtwoorthreehoursofbrawl，andthewinnowingofmanybushelsofwords，MadameDefarge"sfrequentexpressionsofimpatienceweretakenup，withmarvellousquickness，atadistance:

themorereadily，becausecertainmenwhohadbysomewonderfulexerciseofagilityclimbeduptheexternalarchitecturetolookinfromthewindows，knewMadameDefargewell，andactedasatelegraphbetweenherandthecrowdoutsidethebuilding。

Atlengththesunrosesohighthatitstruckakindlyrayasofhopeorprotection，directlydownupontheoldprisoner"shead。Thefavourwastoomuchtobear；inaninstantthebarrierofdustandchaffthathadstoodsurprisinglylong，wenttothewinds，andSaintAntoinehadgothim!

Itwasknowndirectly，tothefurthestconfinesofthecrowd。

Defargehadbutsprungoverarailingandatable，andfoldedthemiserablewretchinadeadlyembrace——MadameDefargehadbutfollowedandturnedherhandinoneoftheropeswithwhichhewastied——TheVengeanceandJacquesThreewerenotyetupwiththem，andthemenatthewindowshadnotyetswoopedintotheHall，likebirdsofpreyfromtheirhighperches——whenthecryseemedtogoup，alloverthecity，`Bringhimout!Bringhimtothelamp!"

Down，andup，andheadforemostonthestepsofthebuilding；

now，onhisknees；now，onhisfeet；now，onhisback；dragged，andstruckat，andstifledbythebunchesofgrassandstrawthatwerethrustintohisfacebyhundredsofhands；torn，bruised，panting，bleeding，yetalwaysentreatingandbeseechingformercy；nowfullofvehementagonyofaction，withasmallclearspaceabouthimasthepeopledrewoneanotherbackthattheymightsee；now，alogofdeadwooddrawnthroughaforestoflegs；hewashauledtotheneareststreetcornerwhereoneofthefatallampsswung，andthereMadameDefargelethimgo——asacatmighthavedonetoamouse——andsilentlyandcomposedlylookedathimwhiletheymadeready，andwhilehebesoughther:thewomenpassionatelyscreechingathimallthetime，andthemensternlycallingouttohavehimkilledwithgrassinhismouth。Once，hewentaloft，andtheropebroke，andtheycaughthimshrieking；twice，hewentaloft，andtheropebroke，andtheycaughthimshrieking；then，theropewasmerciful，andheldhim，andhisheadwassoonuponapike，withgrassenoughinthemouthforallSaintAntoinetodanceatthesightof。Norwasthistheendoftheday"sbadwork，forSaintAntoinesoshoutedanddancedhisangrybloodup，thatitboiledagain，onhearingwhenthedayclosedinthattheson-in-lawofthedespatched，anotherofthepeople"senemiesandinsulters，wascomingintoParisunderguardfivehundredstrong，incavalryalone。SaintAntoinewrotehiscrimesonflaringsheetsofpaper，seizedhim——wouldhavetornhimoutofthebreastofanarmytobearFouloncompany——sethisheadandheartonpikes，andcarriedthethreespoilsoftheday，inWolf-procession，throughthestreets。

Notbeforedarknightdidthemenandwomencomebacktothechildren，wailingandbreadless。Then，themiserablebakers"shopswerebesetbylongfilesofthem，patientlywaitingtobuybadbread；andwhiletheywaitedwithstomachsfaintandempty，theybeguiledthetimebyembracingoneanotheronthetriumphsoftheday，andachievingthemagainingossip。

Gradually，thesestringsofraggedpeopleshortenedandfrayedaway；andthenpoorlightsbegantoshineinhighwindows，andslenderfiresweremadeinthestreets，atwhichneighbourscookedincommon，afterwardssuppingattheirdoors。

Scantyandinsufficientsuppersthose，andinnocentofmeat，asofmostothersaucetowretchedbread。Yet，humanfellowshipinfusedsomenourishmentintotheflintyviands，andstrucksomesparksofcheerfulnessoutofthem。Fathersandmotherswhohadhadtheirfullshareintheworstoftheday，playedgentlywiththeirmeagrechildren；andlovers，withsuchaworldaroundthemandbeforethem，lovedandhoped。

Itwasalmostmorning，whenDefarge"swine-shoppartedwithitslastknotofcustomers，andMonsieurDefargesaidtomadamehiswife，inhuskytones，whilefasteningthedoor:

`Atlastitiscome，mydear!"

`Ehwell!"returnedmadame。`Almost。"

SaintAntoineslept，theDefargesslept:evenTheVengeancesleptwithherstarvedgrocer，andthedrumwasatrest。Thedrum"swastheonlyvoiceinSaintAntoinethatbloodandhurryhadnotchanged。TheVengeance，ascustodianofthedrum，couldhavewakenedhimupandhadthesamespeechoutofhimasbeforetheBastillefell，oroldFoulonwasseized；notsowiththehoarsetonesofthemenandwomeninSaintAntoine"sbosom。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIIIFireRisesTHEREwasachangeonthevillagewherethefountainfell，andwherethemenderofroadswentforthdailytohammeroutofthestonesonthehighwaysuchmorselsofbreadasmightserveforpatchestoholdhispoorignorantsoulandhispoorreducedbodytogether。Theprisononthecragwasnotsodominantasofyore；thereweresoldierstoguardit，butnotmany；

therewereofficerstoguardthesoldiers，butnotoneofthemknewwhathismenwoulddo——beyondthis:thatitwouldprobablynotbewhathewasordered。

Farandwidelayaruinedcountry，yieldingnothingbutdesolation。

Everygreenleaf，everybladeofgrassandbladeofgrain，wasasshrivelledandpoorasthemiserablepeople。Everythingwasboweddown，dejected，oppressed，andbroken。Habitations，fences，domesticatedanimals，men，women，children，andthesoilthatborethem——allwornout。

Monseigneur(oftenamostworthyindividualgentleman)wasanationalblessing，gaveachivalroustonetothings，wasapoliteexampleofluxuriousandshininglife，andagreatdealmoretoequalpurpose；nevertheless，Monseigneurasaclasshad，somehoworother，broughtthingstothis。StrangethatCreation，designedexpresslyforMonseigneur，shouldbesosoonwrungdryandsqueezedout!Theremustbesomethingshort-sightedintheeternalarrangements，surelyThusitwas，however；andthelastdropofbloodhavingbeenextractedfromtheflints，andthelastscrewoftherackhavingbeenturnedsooftenthatitspurchasecrumbled，anditnowturnedandturnedwithnothingtobite，Monseigneurbegantorunawayfromaphenomenonsolowandunaccountable。

But，thiswasnotthechangeonthevillage，andonmanyavillagelikeit。Forscoresofyearsgoneby，Monseigneurhadsqueezeditandwrungit，andhadseldomgraceditwithhispresenceexceptforthepleasuresofthechase——now，foundinhuntingthepeople；now，foundinhuntingthebeasts，forwhosepreservationMonseigneurmadeedifyingspacesofbarbarousandbarrenwilderness。No。Thechangeconsistedintheappearanceofstrangefacesoflowcaste，ratherthaninthedisappearanceofthehigh-caste，chiseled，andotherwisebeatifiedandbeatifyingfeaturesofMonseigneur。

For，inthesetimes，asthemenderofroadsworked，solitary，inthedust，notoftentroublinghimselftoreflectthatdusthewasandtodusthemustreturn，beingforthemostparttoomuchoccupiedinthinkinghowlittlehehadforsupperandhowmuchmorehewouldeatifhehadit——inthesetimes，asheraisedhiseyesfromhislonelylabour，andviewedtheprospect，hewouldseesomeroughfigureapproachingonfoot，thelikeofwhichwasonceararityinthoseparts，butwasnowafrequentpresence。

Asitadvanced，themenderofroadswoulddiscernwithoutsurprise，thatitwasashaggy-hairedman，ofalmostbarbarianaspect，tall，inwoodenshoesthatwereclumsyeventotheeyesofamenderofroads，grim，rough，swart，steepedinthemudanddustofmanyhighways，dankwiththemarshymoistureofmanylowgrounds，sprinkledwiththethornsandleavesandmossofmanybywaysthroughwoods。

Suchamancameuponhim，likeaghost，atnoonintheJulyweather，ashesatonhisheapofstonesunderabank，takingsuchshelterashecouldgetfromashowerofhail。

Themanlookedathim，lookedatthevillageinthehollow，atthemill，andattheprisononthecrag。Whenhehadidentifiedtheseobjectsinwhatbenightedmindhehad，hesaid，inadialectthatwasjustintelligible:

`Howgoesit，Jacques?"

`Allwell，Jacques。"

`Touchthen!"

Theyjoinedhands，andthemansatdownontheheapofstones。

`Nodinner?"

`Nothingbutsuppernow，"saidthemenderofroads，withahungryface。

`Itisthefashion，"growledtheman。`Imeetnodinneranywhere。"

Hetookoutablackenedpipe，filledit，lighteditwithflintandsteel，pulledatituntilitwasinabrightglow:then，suddenlyhelditfromhimanddroppedsomethingintoitfrombetweenhisfingerandthumb，thatblazedandwentoutinapuffofsmoke。