第14章

`Iamnottobeburiedthere，prejudged，andwithoutanymeansofpresentingmycase?"

`Youwillsee。But，whatthen?Otherpeoplehavebeensimilarlyburiedinworseprisons，beforenow。

`Butneverbyme，CitizenDefarge。"

Defargeglanceddarklyathimforanswer，andwalkedoninasteadyandsetsilence。Thedeeperhesankintothissilence，thefainterhopetherewas——orsoDarnaythought——ofhissofteninginanyslightdegree。

He，therefore，madehastetosay:

`Itisoftheutmostimportancetome(youknow，Citizen，evenbetterthanI，ofhowmuchimportance)，thatIshouldbeabletocommunicatetoMr。LorryofTellson"sBank，anEnglishgentlemanwhoisnowinParis，thesimplefact，withoutcomment，thatIhavebeenthrownintotheprisonofLaForce。Willyoucausethattobedoneforme?"

`Iwilldo，"Defargedoggedlyrejoined，`nothingforyou。MydutyistomycountryandthePeople。Iamtheswornservantofboth，againstyou。Iwilldonothingforyou。"

CharlesDarnayfeltithopelesstoentreathimfurther，andhispridewastouchedbesides。Astheywalkedoninsilence，hecouldnotbutseehowusedthepeopleweretothespectacleofprisonerspassingalongthestreets。Theverychildrenscarcelynoticedhim。Afewpassersturnedtheirheads，andafewshooktheirfingersathimasanaristocrat；otherwise，thatamaningoodclothesshouldbegoingtoprison，wasnomoreremarkablethanthatalabourerinworkingclothesshouldbegoingtowork。Inonenarrow，dark，anddirtystreetthroughwhichtheypassed，anexcitedorator，mountedonastool，wasaddressinganexcitedaudienceonthecrimesagainstthepeople，ofthekingandtheroyalfamily。Thefewwordsthathecaughtfromthisman"slips，firstmadeitknowntoCharlesDarnaythatthekingwasinprison，andthattheforeignambassadorshadoneandallleftParis。

Ontheroad(exceptatBeauvais)hehadheardabsolutelynothing。Theescortandtheuniversalwatchfulnesshadcompletelyisolatedhim。

ThathehadfallenamongfargreaterdangersthanthosewhichhaddevelopedthemselveswhenheleftEngland，heofcourseknewnow。Thatperilshadthickenedabouthimfast，andmightthickenfasterandfasteryet，heofcourseknewnow。Hecouldnotbutadmittohimselfthathemightnothavemadethisjourney，ifhecouldhaveforeseentheeventsofafewdays。Andyethismisgivingswerenotsodarkas，imaginedbythelightofthislatertime，theywouldappear。Troubledasthefuturewas，itwastheunknownfuture，andinitsobscuritytherewasignoranthope。Thehorriblemassacre，daysandnightslong，which，withinafewroundsoftheclock，wastosetagreatmarkofbloodupontheblessedgarneringtimeofharvest，wasasfaroutofhisknowledgeasifithadbeenahundredthousandyearsaway。The`sharpfemalenewly-born，andcalledLaGuillotine，"washardlyknowntohim，ortothegeneralityofpeople，byname。Thefrightfuldeedsthatweretobesoondone，wereprobablyunimaginedatthattimeinthebrainsofthedoers。Howcouldtheyhaveaplaceintheshadowyconceptionsofagentlemind?

Ofunjusttreatmentindetentionandhardship，andincruelseparationfromhiswifeandchild，heforeshadowedthelikelihood，orthecertainty；

but，beyondthis，hedreadednothingdistinctly。Withthisonhismind，whichwasenoughtocarryintoadrearyprisoncourt-yard，hearrivedattheprisonofLaForce。

Amanwithabloatedfaceopenedthestrongwicket，towhomDefargepresented`TheEmigrantEvré；monde。"

`WhattheDevil!Howmanymoreofthem!"exclaimedthemanwiththebloatedface。

Defargetookhisreceiptwithoutnoticingtheexclamation，andwithdrew，withhistwofellow-patriots。

`WhattheDevil，Isayagain!"exclaimedthegaoler，leftwithhiswife。`Howmanymore!"

Thegaoler"swife，beingprovidedwithnoanswertothequestion，merelyreplied，`Onemusthavepatience，mydear!"Threeturnkeyswhoenteredresponsivetoabellsherang，，echoedthesentimentandoneadded，`FortheloveofLiberty；whichsoundedinthatplacelikeaninappropriateconclusion。

TheprisonofLaForcewasagloomyprison，darkandfilthy，andwithahorriblesmelloffoulsleepinit。Extraordinaryhowsoonthenoisomeflavourofimprisonedsleep，becomesmanifestinallsuchplacesthatareillcaredfor!

`Insecret，too，"grumbledthegaoler，lookingatthewrittenpaper。`AsifIwasnotalreadyfulltobursting!"

Hestuckthepaperonafile，inanill-humour，andCharlesDarnayawaitedhisfurtherpleasureforhalfanhour:sometimes，pacingtoandfrointhestrongarchedroom:sometimes，restingonastoneseat:ineithercasedetainedtobeimprintedonthememoryofthechiefandhissubordinates。

`Come!"saidthechief，atlengthtakinguphiskeys，`comewithme，emigrant。"

Throughthedismalprisontwilight，hisnewchargeaccompaniedhimbycorridorandstaircase，manydoorsclangingandlockingbehindthem，untiltheycameintoalarge，low，vaultedchamber，crowdedwithprisonersofbothsexes。Thewomenwereseatedatalongtable，readingandwriting，knitting，sewing，andembroidering；themenwereforthemostpartstandingbehindtheirchairs，orlingeringupanddowntheroom。

Intheinstinctiveassociationofprisonerswithshamefulcrimeanddisgrace，thenewcomerrecoiledfromthiscompany。Butthecrowningunrealityofhislongunrealride，was，theirallatoncerisingtoreceivehim，witheveryrefinementofmannerknowntothetime，andwithalltheengaginggracesandcourtesiesoflife。

Sostrangelycloudedweretheserefinementsbytheprisonmannersandgloom，sospectraldidtheybecomeintheinappropriatesqualorandmiserythroughwhichtheywereseen，thatCharlesDarnayseemedtostandinacompanyofthedead。Ghostsall!Theghostofbeauty，theghostofstateliness，theghostofelegance，theghostofpride，theghostoffrivolity，theghostofwit，theghostofyouth，theghostofage，allwaitingtheirdismissalfromthedesolateshore，allturningonhimeyesthatwerechangedbythedeaththeyhaddiedincomingthere。

Itstruckhimmotionless。Thegaolerstandingathisside，andtheothergaolersmovingabout，whowouldhavebeenwellenoughastoappearanceintheordinaryexerciseoftheirfunctions，lookedsoextravagantlycoarsecontrastedwithsorrowingmothersandbloomingdaughterswhoweretherewiththeapparitionsofthecoquette，theyoungbeauty，andthematurewomandelicatelybred——thattheinversionofallexperienceandlikelihoodwhichthesceneofshadowspresented，washeightenedtoitsutmost。Surely，ghostsall。Surely，thelongunrealridesomeprogressofdiseasethathadbroughthimtothesegloomyshades!

`Inthenameoftheassembledcompanionsinmisfortune，"saidagentlemanofcourtlyappearanceandaddress，comingforward，`IhavethehonourofgivingyouwelcometoLaForce，andofcondolingwithyouonthecalamitythathasbroughtyouamongus。Mayitsoonterminatehappily!

Itwouldbeanimpertinenceelsewhere，butitisnotsohere，toaskyournameandcondition?"

CharlesDarnayrousedhimself，andgavetherequiredinformation，inwordsassuitableashecouldfind。

`ButIhope，"saidthegentleman，followingthechiefgaolerwithhiseyes，whomovedacrosstheroom，`thatyouarenotinsecret?"

`Idonotunderstandthemeaningoftheterm，butIhaveheardthemsayso。"

`Ah，whatapity!Wesomuchregretit!Buttakecourage；severalmembersofoursocietyhavebeeninsecret，atfirst，andithaslastedbutashorttime。"Thenheadded，raisinghisvoice，`Igrievetoinformthesociety——insecret。

TherewasamurmurofcommiserationasCharlesDarnaycrossedtheroomtoagrateddoorwherethegaolerawaitedhim，andmanyvoices——amongwhich，thesoftandcompassionatevoicesofwomanwereconspicuous——gavehimgoodwishesandencouragement。Heturnedatthegrateddoor，torenderthethanksofhisheart；itclosedunderthegaoler"shand；andtheapparitionsvanishedfromhissightforever。

Thewicketopenedonastonestaircase，leadingupward。Whentheyhadascendedfortysteps(theprisonerofhalfanhouralreadycountedthem)，thegaoleropenedalowblackdoor，andtheypassedintoasolitarycell。Itstruckcoldanddamp，butwasnotdark。

`Yours，"saidthegaoler。

`WhyamIconfinedalone?"

`HowdoIknow!"

`Icanbuypen，ink，andpaper?"

`Sucharenotmyorders。Youwillbevisited，andcanaskthen。

Atpresent，youmaybuyyourfood，andnothingmore。"

Therewereinthecell，achair，atable，andastrawmattress。

Asthegaolermadeageneralinspectionoftheseobjects，andofthefourwalls，beforegoingout，awanderingfancywanderedthroughthemindoftheprisonerleaningagainstthewalloppositetohim，thatthisgaolerwassounwholesomelybloated，bothinfaceandperson，astolooklikeamanwhohadbeendrownedandfilledwithwater。Whenthegaolerwasgone，hethoughtinthesamewanderingway，`NowamIleft，asifIweredead。"

Stoppingthen，tolookdownatthemattress，heturnedfromitwithasickfeeling，andthought，`Andhereinthesecrawlingcreaturesisthefirstconditionofthebodyafterdeath。"

`Fivepacesbyfourandahalffivepacesbyfourandahalf，fivepacesbyfourandahalf。"Theprisonerwalkedtoandfroinhiscell，countingitsmeasurement，andtheroarofthecityaroselikemuffleddrumswithawildswellofvoicesaddedtothem。`Hemadeshoes，hemadeshoes，hemadeshoes。"Theprisonercountedthemeasurementagain，andpacedfaster，todrawhismindwithhimfromthatlatterrepetition。`Theghoststhatvanishedwhenthewicketclosed。Therewasoneamongthem，theappearanceofaladydressedinblack，whowasleaningintheembrasureofawindow，andshehadalightshininguponhergoldenhair，andshelookedlike*

***Letusrideonagain，forGod"ssake，throughtheilluminatedvillageswiththepeopleallawake!****Hemadeshoes，hemadeshoes，hemadeshoes。****Fivepacesbyfourandahalf。"Withsuchscrapstossingandrollingupwardfromthedepthsofhismind，theprisonerwalkedfasterandfaster，obstinatelycountingandcounting；andtheroarofthecitychangedtothisextent-thatitstillrolledinlikemuffleddrums，butwiththewailofvoicesthatheknew，intheswellthatroseabovethem。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheThird[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIITheGrindstoneTELLSON"SBANK，establishedintheSaintGermainQuarterofParis，wasinawingofalargehouse，approachedbyacourt-yardandshutofffromthestreetbyahighwallandastronggate。Thehousebelongedtoagreatnoblemanwhohadlivedinituntilhemadeaflightfromthetroubles，inhisowncook"sdress，andgotacrosstheborders。Amerebeastofthechaseflyingfromhunters，hewasstillinhismetempsychosisnootherthanthesameMonseigneur，thepreparationofwhosechocolateforwhoselipshadonceoccupiedthreestrongmenbesidesthecookinquestion。

Monseigneurgone，andthethreestrongmenabsolvingthemselvesfromthesinofhavingdrawnhishighwages，bybeingmorethanreadyandwillingtocuthisthroatonthealtarofthedawningRepubliconeandindivisibleofLiberty，Equality，Fraternity，orDeath，Monseigneur"shousehadbeenfirstsequestrated，andthenconfiscated。For，allthingsmovedsofast，anddecreefolloweddecreewiththatfierceprecipitation，thatnowuponthethirdnightoftheautumnmonthofSeptember，patriotemissariesofthelawwereinpossessionofMonseigneur"shouse，andhadmarkeditwiththetricolour，andweredrinkingbrandyinitsstateapartments。

AplaceofbusinessinLondonlikeTellson"splaceofbusinessinParis，wouldsoonhavedriventheHouseoutofitsmindandintotheGazette。For，whatwouldstaidBritishresponsibilityandrespectabilityhavesaidtoorange-treesinboxesinaBankcourt-yard，andeventoaCupidoverthecounter?Yetsuchthingswere。Tellson"shadwhitewashedtheCupid，buthewasstilltobeseenontheceiling，inthecoolestlinen，aiming(asheveryoftendoes)atmoneyfrommorningtonight。BankruptcymustinevitablyhavecomeofthisyoungPagan，inLombardstreet，London，andalsoofacurtainedalcoveintherearoftheimmortalboy，andalsoofalooking-glassletintothewall，andalsoofclerksnotatallold，whodancedinpublicontheslightestprovocation。Yet，aFrenchTellson"scouldgetonwiththesethingsexceedinglywell，and，aslongasthetimesheldtogether，nomanhadtakenfrightatthem，anddrawnouthismoney。

WhatmoneywouldbedrawnoutofTellson"shenceforth，andwhatwouldliethere，lostandforgotten；whatplateandjewelswouldtarnishinTellson"shiding-places，whilethedepositorsrustedinprisons，andwhentheyshouldhaveviolentlyperished；howmanyaccountswithTellson"snevertobebalancedinthisworld，mustbecarriedoverintothenext；

nomancouldhavesaid，thatnight，anymorethanMr。JarvisLorrycould，thoughhethoughtheavilyofthesequestions。Hesatbyanewly-lightedwoodfire(theblightedandunfruitfulyearwasprematurelycold)，andonhishonestandcourageousfacetherewasadeepershadethanthependentlampcouldthrow，oranyobjectintheroomdistortedlyreflect——ashadeofhorror。

HeoccupiedroomsintheBank，inhisfidelitytotheHouseofwhichhehadgrowntobeapart，likeastrongroot-ivy。Itchancedthattheyderivedakindofsecurityfromthepatrioticoccupationofthemainbuilding，butthetrue-heartedoldgentlemannevercalculatedaboutthat。

Allsuchcircumstanceswereindifferenttohim，sothathedidhisduty。

Ontheoppositesideofthecourt-yard，underacolonnade，wasextensivestandingforcarriages——where，indeed，somecarriagesofMonseigneuryetstood。Againsttwoofthepillarswerefastenedtwogreatflaringflambeaux，andinthelightofthese，standingoutintheopenair，wasalargegrindstone:

aroughlymountedthingwhichappearedtohavehurriedlybeenbroughttherefromsomeneighbouringsmithy，orotherworkshop。Risingandlookingoutofwindowattheseharmlessobjects，Mr。Lorryshivered，andretiredtohisseatbythefire。Hehadopened，notonlytheglasswindow，butthelatticeblindoutsideit，andhehadclosedbothagain，andheshiveredthroughhisframe。

Fromthestreetsbeyondthehighwallandthestronggate，therecametheusualnighthumofthecity，withnowandthenanindescribableringinit，weirdandunearthly，asifsomeunwontedsoundsofaterriblenatureweregoinguptoHeaven。

`ThankGod，"saidMr。Lorry，claspinghishands，`thatnoonenearanddeartomeisinthisdreadfultownto-night。MayHehavemercyonallwhoareindanger!"

Soonafterwards，thebellatthegreatgatesounded，andhethought，`Theyhavecomeback!"andsatlistening。But，therewasnoloudirruptionintothecourt-yard，ashehadexpected，andheheardthegateclashagain，andallwasquiet。

ThenervousnessanddreadthatwereuponhiminspiredthatvagueuneasinessrespectingtheBank，whichagreatchangewouldnaturallyawaken，withsuchfeelingsroused。Itwaswellguarded，andhegotuptogoamongthetrustypeoplewhowerewatchingit，thenhisdoorsuddenlyopened，andtwofiguresrushedin，atsightofwhichhefellbackinamazement。

Lucieandherfather!Luciewithherarmsstretchedouttohim，andwiththatoldlookofearnestnesssoconcentratedandintensified，thatitseemedasthoughithadbeenstampeduponherfaceexpresslytogiveforceandpowertoitinthisonepassageofherlife。

`Whatisthis?"criedMr。Lorry，breathlessandconfused。`Whatisthematter?Lucie!Manette!Whathashappened?Whathasbroughtyouhere?Whatisit?"

Withthelookfixeduponhim，inherpalenessandwildness，shepantedoutinhisarms，imploringly，`Omydearfriend!Myhusband!"

`Yourhusband，Lucie?"

`Charles。"

`WhatofCharles?"

`Here。"

`Here，inParis?"

`Hasbeenheresomedays——threeorfour——Idon"tknowhowmany——I

can"tcollectmythoughts。Anerrandofgenerositybroughthimhereunknowntous；hewasstoppedatthebarrier，andsenttoprison。"

Theoldmanutteredanirrepressiblecry。Almostatthesamemoment，thebellofthegreatgaterangagain，andaloudnoiseoffeetandvoicescamepouringintothecourt-yard。

`Whatisthatnoise?"saidtheDoctor，turningtowardsthewindow。

`Don"tlook!"criedMr。Lorry。`Don"tlookout!Manette，foryourlife，don"ttouchtheblind!"

TheDoctorturned，withhishanduponthefasteningofthewindow，andsaid，withacoolboldsmile:

`Mydearfriend，Ihaveacharmedlifeinthiscity。IhavebeenaBastilleprisoner。ThereisnopatriotinParis——inParis?InFrance——who，knowingmetohavebeenaprisonerintheBastille，wouldtouchme，excepttooverwhelmmewithembraces，orcarrymeintriumph。Myoldpainhasgivenmeapowerthathasbroughtusthroughthebarrier，andgainedusnewsofCharlesthere，andbroughtushere。Iknewitwouldbeso；IknewIcouldhelpCharlesoutofalldanger；ItoldLucieso——Whatisthatnoise?"Hishandwasagainuponthewindow。

`Don"tlook!"criedMr。Lorry，absolutelydesperate。`No，Lucie，mydear，noryou!"Hegothisarmroundher，andheldher。`Don"tbesoterrified，mylove。IsolemnlysweartoyouthatIknowofnoharmhavinghappenedtoCharles；thatIhadnosuspicionevenofhisbeinginthisfatalplace。Whatprisonishein?"

`LaForce!"

`LaForce!Lucie，mychild，ifeveryouwerebraveandserviceableinyourlife——andyouwerealwaysboth——youwillcomposeyourselfnow，todoexactlyasIbidyou；formoredependsuponitthanyoucanthink，orIcansay。Thereisnohelpforyouinanyactiononyourpartto-night；

youcannotpossiblystirout。Isaythis，becausewhatImustbidyoutodoforCharles"ssake，isthehardestthingtodoofall。Youmustinstantlybeobedient，still，andquiet。Youmustletmeputyouinaroomatthebackhere。Youmustleaveyourfatherandmealonefortwominutes，andasthereareLifeandDeathintheworldyoumustnotdelay。"

`Iwillbesubmissivetoyou。IseeinyourfacethatyouknowIcandonothingelsethanthis。Iknowyouaretrue。"

Theoldmankissedher，andhurriedherintohisroom，andturnedthekey；then，camehurryingbacktotheDoctor，andopenedthewindowandpartlyopenedtheblind，andputhishandupontheDoctor"sarm，andlookedoutwithhimintothecourt-yard。

Lookedoutuponathrongofmenandwomen:notenoughinnumber，ornearenough，tofillthecourt-yard:notmorethanfortyorfiftyinall。Thepeopleinpossessionofthehousehadlettheminatthegate，andtheyhadrushedintoworkatthegrindstone；ithadevidentlybeensetuptherefortheirpurpose，asinaconvenientandretiredspot。

But，suchawfulworkers，andsuchawfulwork!

Thegrindstonehadadoublehandle，and，turningatitmadlyweretwomen，whosefaces，astheirlonghairflappedbackwhenthewhirlingsofthegrindstonebroughttheirfacesup，weremorehorribleandcruelthanthevisagesofthewildestsavagesintheirmostbarbarousdisguise。

Falseeye-browsandfalsemoustacheswerestuckuponthem，andtheirhideouscountenanceswereallbloodyandsweaty，andallawrywithhowling，andallstaringandglaringwithbeastlyexcitementandwantofsleep。Astheseruffiansturnedandturned，theirmattedlocksnowflungforwardovertheireyes，nowflungbackwardovertheirnecks，somewomenheldwinetotheirmouthsthattheymightdrink；andwhatwithdroppingblood，andwhatwithdroppingwine，andwhatwiththestreamofsparksstruckoutofthestone，alltheirwickedatmosphereseemedgoreandfire。Theeyecouldnotdetectonecreatureinthegroupfreefromthesmearofblood。Shoulderingoneanothertogetnextatthesharpening-stone，weremenstrippedtothewaist，withthestainallovertheirlimbsandbodies；meninallsortsofrags，withthestainuponthoserags；mendevilishlysetoffwithspoilsofwomen"slaceandsilkandribbon，withthestaindyeingthosetriflesthroughandthrough。Hatchets，knives，bayonets，swords，allbroughttobesharpened，wereallredwithit。Someofthehackedswordsweretiedtothewristsofthosewhocarriedthem，withstripsoflinenandfragmentsofdress:

ligaturesvariousinkind，butalldeepoftheonecolour。Andasthefranticwieldersoftheseweaponssnatchedthemfromthestreamofsparksandtoreawayintothestreets，thesameredhuewasredintheirfrenziedeyes；——eyeswhichanyunbrutalisedbeholderwouldhavegiventwentyyearsoflife，topetrifywithawell-directedgun。

Allthiswasseeninamoment，asthevisionofadrowningman，orofanyhumancreatureatanyverygreatpass，couldseeaworldifitwerethere。Theydrewbackfromthewindow，andtheDoctorlookedforexplanationinhisfriend"sashyface。

`Theyare，"Mr。Lorrywhisperedthewords，glancingfearfullyroundatthelockedroom，`murderingtheprisoners。Ifyouaresureofwhatyousay；ifyoureallyhavethepoweryouthinkyouhave——asIbelieveyouhave——makeyourselfknowntothesedevils，andgettakentoLaForce。

Itmaybetoolate，Idon"tknow，butletitnotbeaminutelater!"

DoctorManettepressedhishand，hastenedbareheadedoutoftheroom，andwasinthecourt-yardwhenMr。Lorryregainedtheblind。

Hisstreamingwhitehair，hisremarkableface，andtheimpetuousconfidenceofhismanner，asheputtheweaponsasidelikewater，carriedhiminaninstanttotheheartoftheconcourseatthestone。Forafewmomentstherewasapause，andahurry，andamurmur，andtheunintelligiblesoundofhisvoice；andthenMr。Lorrysawhim，surroundedbyall，andinthemidstofalineoftwentymenlong，alllinkedshouldertoshoulder，andhandtoshoulder，hurriedoutwithcriesof——"LivetheBastilleprisoner!

HelpfortheBastilleprisoner"skindredinLaForce!RoomfortheBastilleprisonerinfrontthere!SavetheprisonerEvré；mondeatLaForce!"

andathousandansweringshouts。

Heclosedthelatticeagainwithaflutteringheart，closedthewindowandthecurtain，hastenedtoLucie，andtoldherthatherfatherwasassistedbythepeople，andgoneinsearchofherhusband。HefoundherchildandMissProsswithher；but，itneveroccurredtohimtobesurprisedbytheirappearanceuntilalongtimeafterwards，whenhesatwatchingtheminsuchquietasthenightknew。

Luciehad，bythattime，fallenintoastuporonthefloorathisfeet，clingingtohishand。MissProsshadlaidthechilddownonhisownbed，andherhadhadgraduallyfallenonthepillowbesideherprettycharge。Othelong，longnight，withthemoansofthepoorwife!AndO

thelong，longnight，withnoreturnofherfatherandnotidings!

Twicemoreinthedarknessthebellatthegreatgatesounded，andtheirruptionwasrepeated，andthegrindstonewhirledandspluttered。

`Whatisit?"criedLucie，affrighted。`Hush!Thesoldiers"swordsaresharpenedthere，"saidMr。Lorry。`Theplaceisnationalpropertynow，andusedasakindofarmoury，mylove。"

Twicemoreinall；but，thelastspellofworkwasfeebleandfitful。Soonafterwardsthedaybegantodawn，andhesoftlydetachedhimselffromtheclaspinghand，andcautiouslylookedoutagain。Aman，sobesmearedthathemighthavebeenasorelywoundedsoldiercreepingbacktoconsciousnessonafieldofslain，wasrisingfromthepavementbythesideofthegrindstone，andlookingabouthimwithavacantair。Shortly，thisworn-outmurdererdescriedintheimperfectlightoneofthecarriagesofMonseigneur，and，staggeringtothatgorgeousvehicle，climbedinatthedoor，andshuthimselfuptotakehisrestonitsdaintycushions。

Thegreatgrindstone，Earth，hadturnedwhenMr。Lorrylookedoutagain，andthesunwasredonthecourt-yard。But，thelessergrindstonestoodalonethereinthecalmmorningair，withareduponitthatthesunhadnevergiven，andwouldnevertakeaway。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheThird[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIIITheShadowONEofthefirstconsiderationswhicharoseinthebusinessmindofMr。

Lorrywhenbusinesshourscameround，wasthis:——thathehadnorighttoimperilTellson"sbyshelteringthewifeofanemigrantprisonerundertheBankroof。Hisownpossessions，safety，life，hewouldhavehazardedforLucieandherchild，withoutamoment"sdemur；butthegreattrustheheldwasnothisown，andastothatbusinesschargehewasastrictmanofbusiness。

Atfirst，hismindrevertedtoDefarge，andhethoughtoffindingoutthewine-shopagainandtakingcounselwithitsmasterinreferencetothesafestdwelling-placeinthedistractedstateofthecity。But，thesameconsiderationthatsuggestedhim，repudiatedhim；helivedinthemostviolentQuarter，anddoubtlesswasinfluentialthere，anddeepinitsdangerousworkings。

Nooncoming，andtheDoctornotreturning，andeveryminute"sdelaytendingtocompromise，Tellson"s，Mr。LorryadvisedwithLucie。Shesaidthatherfatherhadspokenofhiringalodgingforashortterm，inthatQuarter，neartheBanking-house。Astherewasnobusinessobjectiontothis，andasheforesawthatevenifitwereallwellwithCharles，andheweretobereleased，hecouldnothopetoleavethecity，Mr。Lorrywentoutinquestofsuchalodging，andfoundasuitableone，highupinaremovedby-streetwheretheclosedblindsinalltheotherwindowsofahighmelancholysquareofbuildingsmarkeddesertedhomes。

TothislodgingheatonceremovedLucieandherchild，andMissPross:givingthemwhatcomforthecould，andmuchmorethanhehadhimself。

HeleftJerrywiththem，asafiguretofilladoorwaythatwouldbearconsiderableknockingonthehead，andreturnedtohisownoccupations。

Adisturbedanddolefulmindhebroughttobearuponthem，andslowlyandheavilythedaylaggedonwithhim。

Itworeitselfout，andworehimoutwithit，untiltheBankclosed。

Hewasagainaloneinhisroomofthepreviousnight，consideringwhattodonext，whenheheardafootuponthestair。Inafewmoments，amanstoodinhispresence，who，withakeenlyobservantlookathim，addressedhimbyhisname。

`Yourservant，"saidMr。Lorry。`Doyouknowme?"

Hewasastronglymademanwithdarkcurlinghair，fromforty-fivetofiftyyearsofae。Foranswerherepeated，withoutanychangeofemphasis，thewords:

`Doyouknowme?"

`Ihaveseenyousomewhere。"

`Perhapsatmywine-shop?"

Muchinterestedandagitated，Mr。Lorrysaid:`YoucomefromDoctorManette?"

`Yes。IcomefromDoctorManette。"

`Andwhatsayshe?Whatdoeshesendme?"

Defargegaveintohisanxioushand，anopenscrapofpaper。ItborethewordsintheDoctor"swriting:

`Charlesissafe，butIcannotsafelyleavethisplaceyet。

IhaveobtainedthefavourthatthebearerhasashortnotefromCharlestohiswife。Letthebearerseehiswife。"ItwasdatedfromLaForce，withinanhour。

`Willyouaccompanyme，"saidMr。Lorry，joyfullyrelievedafterreadingthisnotealoud，`towherehiswiferesides?"

`Yes，"returnedDefarge。

Scarcelynoticingasyet，inwhatacuriouslyreservedandmechanicalwayDefargespoke，Mr。Lorryputonhishatandtheywentdownintothecourt-yard。There，theyfoundtwowomen；one，knitting。

`MadameDefarge，surely!"saidMr。Lorry，whohadleftherinexactlythesameattitudesomeseventeenyearsago。

`Itisshe，"observedherhusband。

`Doesmadamegowithus?"inquiredMr。Lorry，seeingthatshemovedastheymoved。

`Yes。Thatshemaybeabletorecognisethefacesandknowthepersons。Itisfortheirsafety。"

BeginningtobestruckbyDefarge"smanner，Mr。Lorrylookeddubiouslyathim，andledtheway。Boththewomenfollowed；thesecondwomanbeingTheVengeance。

Theypassedthroughtheinterveningstreetsasquicklyastheymight，ascendedthestaircaseofthenewdomicile，wereadmittedbyJerry，andfoundLucieweeping，alone。ShewasthrownintoatransportbythetidingsMr。Lorrygaveherofherhusband，andclaspedthehandthatdeliveredhisnote——littlethinkingwhatithadbeendoingnearhiminthenight，andmight，butforachance，havedonetohim。

`DEAREST，——Takecourage。Iamwell，andyourfatherhasinfluencearoundme。Youcannotanswerthis。Kissourchildforme。"Thatwasallthewriting。Itwassomuch，however，toherwhoreceivedit，thatsheturnedfromDefargetohiswife，andkissedoneofthehandsthatknitted。Itwasapassionate，loving，thankful，womanlyaction，butthehandmadenoresponse——droppedcoldandheavy，andtooktoitsknittingagain。

TherewassomethinginitstouchthatgaveLucieacheck。Shestoppedintheactofputtingthenoteinherbosom，and，withherhandsyetatherneck，lookedterrifiedatMadameDefarge。MadameDefargemettheliftedeyebrowsandforeheadwithacold，impassivestare。

`Mydear，"saidMr。Lorry，strikingintoexplain；`therearefrequentrisingsinthestreets；and，althoughitisnotlikelytheywillevertroubleyou，MadameDefargewishestoseethosewhomshehasthepowertoprotectatsuchtimes，totheendthatshemayknowthem——thatshemayidentifythem。Ibelieve，"saidMr。Lorry，ratherhaltinginhisreassuringwords，asthestonymannerofallthethreeimpresseditselfuponhimmoreandmore，`Istatethecase，CitizenDefarge?"

Defargelookedgloomilyathiswife，andgavenootheranswerthanagruffsoundofacquiescence。

`Youhadbetter，Lucie，"saidMr。Lorry，doingallhecouldtopropitiate，bytoneandmanner，`havethedearchildhere，andourgoodPross。OurgoodPross，Defarge，isanEnglishlady，andknowsnoFrench。"

Theladyinquestion，whoserootedconvictionthatshewasmorethanamatchforanyforeigner，wasnottobeshakenbydistressanddanger，appearedwishfoldedarms，andobservedinEnglishtoTheVengeance，whomhereyesfirstencountered，`Well，Iamsure，Boldface!Ihopeyouareprettywell!"ShealsobestowedaBritishcoughonMadameDefarge；

but，neitherofthetwotookmuchheedofher。

`Isthathischild?"saidMadameDefarge，stoppinginherworkforthefirsttime，andpointingherknitting-needleatlittleLucieasifitwerethefingerofFate。

`Yes，madame，"answeredMr。Lorry；`thisisourpoorprisoner"sdarlingdaughter，andonlychild。"

TheshadowattendantonMadameDefargeandherpartyseemedtofallsothreateninganddarkonthechild，thathermotherinstinctivelykneeledonthegroundbesideher，andheldhertoherbreast。TheshadowattendantonMadameDefargeandherpartyseemedthentofall，threateninganddark，onboththemotherandthechild。

`Itisenough，myhusband，"saidMadameDefarge。`Ihaveseenthem。Wemaygo。

But，thesuppressedmannerhadenoughofmenaceinit——notvisibleandpresented，butindistinctandwithheld——toalarmLucieintosaying，asshelaidherappealinghandonMadameDefarge"sdress:

`Youwillbegoodtomypoorhusband。Youwilldohimnoharm。

Youwillhelpmetoseehimifyoucan?"

`Yourhusbandisnotmybusinesshere，"returnedMadameDefarge，lookingdownatherwithperfectcomposure。`Itisthedaughterofyourfatherwhoismybusinesshere。"

`Formysake，then，bemercifultomyhusband。Formychild"ssake!Shewillputherhandstogetherandprayyoutobemerciful。Wearemoreafraidofyouthanoftheseothers。"

MadameDefargereceiveditasacompliment，andlookedatherhusband。Defarge，whohadbeenuneasilybitinghisthumb-nailandlookingather，collectedhisfaceintoasternerexpression。

`Whatisitthatyourhusbandsaysinthatlittleletter?"askedMadameDefarge，withaloweringsmile。`Influence；hesayssomethingtouchinginfluence?"

`Thatmyfather，"saidLucie，hurriedlytakingthepaperfromherbreast，butwithheralarmedeyesonherquestionerandnotonit，`hasmuchinfluencearoundhim。"

`Surelyitwillreleasehim!"saidMadameDefarge。`Letitdoso。"

`Asawifeandmother，"criedLucie，mostearnestly，`Iimploreyoutohavepityonmeandnottoexerciseanypowerthatyoupossess，againstmyinnocenthusband，buttouseitinhisbehalf。Osister-woman，thinkofme。Asawifeandmother!"

MadameDefargelooked，coldlyasever，atthesuppliant，andsaid，turningtoherfriendTheVengeance:

`Thewivesandmotherswehavebeenusedtosee，sincewewereaslittleasthischild，andmuchless，havenotbeengreatlyconsidered?

Wehaveknowntheirhusbandsandfatherslaidinprisonandkeptfromthem，oftenenough?Allourlives，wehaveseenoursister-womensuffer，inthemselvesandintheirchildren，poverty，nakedness，hunger，thirst。

sickness，misery，oppressionandneglectofallkinds?"

`Wehaveseennothingelse，"returnedTheVengeance。

`Wehavebornethisalongtime，"saidMadameDefarge，turninghereyesagainuponLucie。`Judgeyou!Isitlikelythatthetroubleofonewifeandmotherwouldbemuchtousnow?"

Sheresumedherknittingandwentout。TheVengeancefollowed。

Defargewentlast，andclosedthedoor。

`Courage，mydearLucie，"saidMr。Lorry，asheraisedher。`Courage，courage!Sofarallgoeswellwithus——much，muchbetterthanithasoflategonewithmanypoorsouls。Cheerup，andhaveathankfulheart。"

`Iamnotthankless，Ihope，butthatdreadfulwomanseemstothrowashadowonmeandonallmyhopes。"

`Tut，tut!"saidMr。Lorry；`whatisthisdespondencyinthebravelittlebreast?Ashadowindeed!Nosubstanceinit，Lucie。"

ButtheshadowofthemanneroftheseDefargeswasdarkuponhimself，forallthat，andinhissecretmindittroubledhimgreatly。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheThird[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIVCalminStormDOCTORMANETTEdidnotreturnuntilthemorningofthefourthdayofhisabsence。SomuchofwhathadhappenedinthatdreadfultimeascouldbekeptfromtheknowledgeofLuciewassowellconcealedfromher，thatnotuntillongafterwards，whenFranceandshewerefarapart，didsheknowthatelevenhundreddefencelessprisonersofbothsexesandallageshadbeenkilledbythepopulace；thatfourdaysandnightshadbeendarkenedbythisdeedofhorror；andthattheairaroundherhadbeentaintedbytheslain。Sheonlyknewthattherehadbeenanattackupontheprisons，thatallpoliticalprisonershadbeenindanger，andthatsomehadbeendraggedoutbythecrowdandmurdered。

ToMr。Lorry，theDoctorcommunicatedunderaninjunctionofsecrecyonwhichhehadnoneedtodwell，thatthecrowdhadtakenhimthroughasceneofcarnagetotheprisonofLaForce。That，intheprisonhehadfoundaself-appointedTribunalsitting，beforewhichtheprisonerswerebroughtsingly，andbywhichtheywererapidlyorderedtobeputforthtobemassacred，ortobereleased，or(inafewcases)tobesentbacktotheircells。That，presentedbyhisconductorstothisTribunal，hehadannouncedhimselfbynameandprofessionashavingbeenforeighteenyearsasecretandunaccusedprisonerintheBastille；that，oneofthebodysosittinginjudgmenthadrisenandidentifiedhim，andthatthismanwasDefarge。

That，hereuponhehadascertained，throughtheregistersonthetable，thathisson-in-lawwasamongthelivingprisoners，andhadpleadedhardtotheTribunal——ofwhomsomememberswereasleepandsomeawake，somedirtywithmurderandsomeclean，somesoberandsomenot——forhislifeandliberty。That，inthefirstfranticgreetingslavishedonhimselfasanotablesuffererundertheover-thrownsystem，ithadbeenaccordedtohimtohaveCharlesDarnaybroughtbeforethelawlessCourt，andexamined。

That，heseemedonthepointofbeingatoncereleased，whenthetideinhisfavourmetwithsomeunexplainedcheck(notintelligibletotheDoctor)，whichledtoafewwordsofsecretconference。That，themansittingasPresidenthadtheninformedDoctorManettethattheprisonermustremainincustody，butshouldforhissake，beheldinviolateinsafecustody。

That，immediately，onasignal，theprisonerwasremovedtotheinterioroftheprisonagain；but，thatlie，theDoctor，hadthensostronglypleadedforpermissiontoremainandassurehimselfthathisson-in-lawwas，throughnomaliceormischance，deliveredtotheconcoursewhosemurderousyellsoutsidethegatehadoftendrownedtheproceedings，thatliehadobtainedthepermission，andhadremainedinthatHallofBlooduntilthedangerwasover。

Thesightshehadseenthere，withbriefsnatchesoffoodandsleepbyintervals，shallremainuntold。Themadjobovertheprisonerswhoweresaved，hadastoundedhimscarcelylessthanthemadferocityagainstthosewhowerecuttopieces。Oneprisonertherewas，liesaid，whohadbeendischargedintothestreetfree，butatwhomamistakensavagehadthrustapikeasliepassedout。Beingbesoughttogotohimanddressthewound，theDoctorhadpassedoutatthesamegate，andhadfoundhiminthearmsofacompanyofSamaritans，whowereseatedonthebodiesoftheirvictims。Withaninconsistencyasmonstrousasanythinginthisawfulnightmare，theyhadhelpedthehealer，andtendedthewoundedmanwiththegentlestsolicitude——hadmadealitterforhimandescortedhimcarefullyfromthespot——hadthencaughtuptheirweaponsandplungedanewintoabutcherysodreadful，thattheDoctorhadcoveredhiseyeswithhishands，andswoonedawayinthemidstofit。

AsMr。Lorryreceivedtheseconfidences，andashewatchedthefaceofhisfriendnowsixty-twoyearsofage，amisgivingarosewithinhimthatsuchdreadexperienceswouldrevisetheolddanger。But，hehadneverseenhisfriendinhi，presentaspect:hehadneveratallknownhiminhispresentcharacter。ForthefirsttimetheDoctorfelt，now，thathissufferingwasstrengthandpower。Forthefirsttimeheleftthatinthatsharpfire，liehadslowlyforgedtheironwhichcouldbreaktheprisondoorofhisdaughter"shusband，anddeliverhim。`Italltendedtoagoodend，myfriend；itwasnotmerewasteandruin。Asmybelovedchildwashelpfulinrestoringmetomyself，Iwillbehelpfulnowinrestoringthedearestpartofherselftoher；bytheaidofHeavenIwilldoit!"

Thus，DoctorManette。AndwhenJarvisLorrysawthekindledeyes，theresoluteface，thecalmstronglookandbearingofthemanwhoselifealwaysseemedtohimtohavebeenstopped，likeaclock，forsomanyyears，andthensetgoingagainwithanenergywhichhadlaindormantduringthecessationofitsusefulness，hebelieved。

GreaterthingsthantheDoctorhadatthattimetocontendwith，wouldhaveyieldedbeforehisperseveringpurpose。Whilehekepthimselfinhisplace，asaphysician，whosebusinesswaswithalldegreesofmankind，bondandfree，richandpoor，badandgood，heusedhispersonalinfluencesowisely，thathewassoontheinspectingphysicianofthreeprisons，andamongthemofLaForce。HecouldnowassureLuciethatherhusbandwasnolongerconfinedalone，butwasmixedwiththegeneralbodyofprisoners；

hesawherhusbandweekly，andbroughtsweetmessagestoher，straightfromhislips；sometimesherhusbandhimselfsentalettertoher(thoughneverbytheDoctor"shand)，butshewasnotpermittedtowritetohim:

for，amongthemanywildsuspicionsofplotsintheprisons，thewildestofallpointedatemigrantswhowereknowntohavemadefriendsorpermanentconnectionsabroad。

ThisnewlifeoftheDoctor"swasananxiouslife，nodoubt；still，thesagaciousMr。Lorrysawthattherewasanewsustainingprideinit。

Nothingunbecomingtingedthepride；itwasanaturalandworthyone；butheobserveditasacuriosity。TheDoctorknew，thatuptothattime，hisimprisonmenthadbeenassociatedinthemindsofhisdaughterandhisfriend，withhispersonalaffliction，deprivation，andweakness。Nowthatthiswaschanged，andheknewhimselftobeinvestedthroughthatoldtrialwithforcestowhichtheybothlookedforCharles"sultimatesafetyanddeliverance，hebecamesofarexaltedbythechange，thathetooktheleadanddirection，andrequiredthemastheweak，totrusttohimasthestrong。

TheprecedingrelativepositionsofhimselfandLuciewerereversed，yetonlyastheliveliestgratitudeandaffectioncouldreversethem，forhecouldhavehadnopridebutinrenderingsomeservicetoherwhohadrenderedsomuchtohim。`Allcurioustosee，"thoughtMr。Lorry，inhisamiablyshrewdway，`butallnaturalandright；so，takethelead，mydearfriend，andkeepit；itcouldn"tbeinbetterhands。"

But，thoughtheDoctortriedhard，andneverceasedtrying，togetCharlesDarnaysetatliberty，oratleasttogethimbroughttotrial，thepubliccurrentofthetimesettoostrongandfastforhim。Thenewerabegan；thekingwastried，doomed，andbeheaded；theRepublicofLiberty，Equality，Fraternity，orDeath，declaredforvictoryordeathagainsttheworldinarms；theblackflagwavednightanddayfromthegreattowersofNotreDame；threehundredthousandmen，summonedtoriseagainstthetyrantsoftheearth，rosefromallthevaryingsoilsofFrance，asifthedragon"steethhadbeensownbroadcast，andhadyieldedfruitequallyonhillandplain，onrock，ingravel，andalluvialmud，underthebrightskyoftheSouthandunderthecloudsoftheNorth，infellandforest，inthevineyardsandtheolive-groundsandamongthecroppedgrassandthestubbleofthecorn，alongthefruitfulbanksofthebroadrivers，andinthesandofthesea-shore。WhatprivatesolicitudecouldrearitselfagainstthedelugeoftheYearOneofLiberty——thedelugerisingfrombelow，notfallingfromabove，andwiththewindowsofHeavenshut，notopened!

Therewasnopause，nopity，nopeace，nointervalofrelentingrest，nomeasurementoftime。Thoughdaysandnightscircledasregularlyaswhentimewasyoung，andtheeveningandmorningwerethefirstday，othercountoftimetherewasnone。Holdofitwaslostintheragingfeverofanation，asitisinthefeverofonepatient。Now，breakingtheunnaturalsilenceofawholecity，theexecutionershowedthepeopletheheadoftheking-andnow，itseemedalmostinthesamebreath，theheadofhisfairwifewhichhadhadeightwearymonthsofimprisonedwidowhoodandmisery，toturnitgrey。

Andyet，observingthestrangelawofcontradictionwhichobtainsinallsuchcases，thetimewaslong，whileitflamedbysofast。Arevolutionarytribunalinthecapital，andfortyorfiftythousandrevolutionarycommitteesallovertheland；alawoftheSuspected，whichstruckawayallsecurityforlibertyorlife，anddeliveredoveranygoodandinnocentpersontoanybadandguiltyone；prisonsgorgedwithpeoplewhohadcommittednooffence，andcouldobtainnohearing；thesethingsbecametheestablishedorderandnatureofappointedthings，andseemedtobeancientusagebeforetheyweremanyweeksold。Aboveall，onehideousfiguregrewasfamiliarasifithadbeenbeforethegeneralgazehornthefoundationsoftheworld——thefigureofthesharpfemalecalledLaGuillotine。

Itwasthepopularthemeforjests；itwasthebestcureforheadache，itinfalliblypreventedthehairfromturninggrey，itimpartedapeculiardelicacytothecomplexion，itwastheNationalRazorwhichshavedclose:

whokissedLaGuillotine，lookedthroughthelittlewindowandsneezedintothesack。Itwasthesignoftheregenerationofthehumanrace。ItsupersededtheGross。ModelsofitwerewornonbreastsfromwhichtheGrosswasdiscarded，anditwasboweddowntoandbelievedinwheretheGrosswasdenied。