第6章

`MissProssathome?"`Wereyounewly,releasedontheoccasioninquestion?"

`Theytellmeso.`Haveyounoremembranceoftheoccasion?"

`None.Mymindisablank,fromsometime——Icannotevensaywhattime——whenIemployedmyself,inmycaptivity,inmakingshoes,tothetimewhenIfoundmyselflivinginLondonwithmydeardaughterhere.Shehadbecomefamiliartome,whenagraciousGodrestoredmyfaculties;but,Iamquiteunableeventosayhowshehadbecomefamiliar.Ihavenoremembranceoftheprocess."

Mr.Attorney-Generalsatdown,andthefatheranddaughtersatdowntogether.

Asingularcircumstancethenaroseinthecase.Theobjectinhandbeingtoshowthattheprisonerwentdown,withsomefellow-plotteruntracked,intheDovermailonthatFridaynightinNovemberfiveyearsago,andgotoutofthemailinthenight,asablind,ataplacewherehedidnotremain,butfromwhichhetravelledbacksomedozenmilesormore,toagarrisonanddockyard,andtherecollectedinformation;awitnesswascalledtoidentifyhimashavingbeenattheprecisetimerequired,inthecoffee-roomofanhotelinthatgarrison-and-dockyardtown,waitingforanotherperson.Theprisoner"scounselwascross-examiningthiswitnesswithnoresult,exceptthathehadneverseentheprisoneronanyotheroccasion,whenthewiggedgentlemanwhohadallthistimebeenlookingattheceilingofthecourt,wroteawordortwoonalittlepieceofpaper,screweditup,andtossedittohim.Openingthispieceofpaperinthenextpause,thecounsellookedwithgreatattentionandcuriosityattheprisoner.

`Yousayagainyouarequitesurethatitwastheprisoner?"Thewitnesswasquitesure.`Didyoueverseeanybodyveryliketheprisoner?"Notsolike(thewitnesssaid)asthathecouldbemistaken.`Lookwelluponthatgentleman,mylearnedfriendthere,"pointingtohimwhohadtossedthepaperover,`andthenlookwellupontheprisoner.Howsayyou?Aretheyverylikeeachother?"

Allowingformylearnedfriend"sappearancebeingcarelessandslovenlyifnotdebauched,theyweresufficientlylikeeachothertosurprise,notonlythewitness,buteverybodypresent,whentheywerethusbroughtintocomparison.MyLordbeingprayedtobidmylearnedfriendlayasidehiswig,andgivingnoverygraciousconsent,thelikenessbecamemuchmoreremarkable.MyLordinquiredofMr.Stryver(theprisoner"scounsel),whethertheywerenexttotryMr.Carton(nameofmylearnedfriend)fortreason?But,Mr.StryverrepliedtomyLord,no;buthewouldaskthewitnesstotellhimwhetherwhathappenedonce,mighthappentwice;whetherhewouldhavebeensoconfidentifhehadseenthisillustrationofhisrashnesssooner,whetherhewouldbesoconfident,havingseenit;andmore.Theupshotofwhichwas,tosmashthiswitnesslikeacrockeryvessel,andshiverhispartofthecasetouselesslumber.

Mr.Cruncherhadbythistimetakenquitealunchofrustoffhisfingersinhisfollowingoftheevidence.HehadnowtoattendwhileMr.Stryverfittedtheprisoner"scaseonthejury,likeacompactsuitofclothes;showingthemhowthepatriot,Barsad,wasahiredspyandtraitor,anunblushingtraffickerinblood,andoneofthegreatestscoundrelsuponearthsinceaccursedJudas——whichhecertainlydidlookratherlike.Howthevirtuousservant,Cly,washisfriendandpartner,andwasworthytobe;howthewatchfuleyesofthoseforgersandfalseswearershadrestedontheprisonerasavictim,becausesomefamilyaffairsinFrance,hebeingofFrenchextraction,didrequirehismakingthosepassagesacrosstheChannel——thoughwhatthoseaffairswere,aconsiderationforotherswhowerenearanddeartohim,forbadhim,evenforhislife,todisclose.Howtheevidencethathadbeenwarpedandwrestedfromtheyounglady,whoseanguishingivingittheyhadwitnessed,cametonothing,involvingthemerelittleinnocentgallantriesandpolitenesseslikelytopassbetweenanyyounggentlemanandyoungladysothrowntogether;——withtheexceptionofthatreferencetoGeorgeWashington,whichwasaltogethertooextravagantandimpossibletoberegardedinanyotherlightthanasamonstrousjoke.Howitwouldbeaweaknessinthegovernmenttobreakdowninthisattempttopractiseforpopularityonthelowestnationalantipathiesandfears,andthereforeMr.Attorney-Generalhadmadethemostofit;how,nevertheless,itresteduponnothing,savethatvileandinfamouscharacterofevidencetoooftendisfiguringsuchcases,andofwhichtheStateTrialsofthiscountrywerefull.But,theremyLordinterposed(withasgraveafaceasifithadnotbeentrue),sayingthathecouldnotsituponthatBenchandsufferthoseallusions.

Mr.Stryverthencalledhisfewwitnesses,andMr.CruncherhadnexttoattendwhileMr.Attorney-GeneralturnedthewholesuitofclothesMr.Stryverhadfittedonthejury,insideout;showinghowBarsadandClywereevenahundredtimesbetterthanhehadthoughtthem,andtheprisonerahundredtimesworse.ly,camemyLordhimselfturningthesuitofclothes,nowinsideout,nowoutsidein,butonthewholedecidedlytrimmingandshapingthemintograve-clothesfortheprisoner.

Andnow,thejuryturnedtoconsider,andthegreatfliesswarmedagain.

Mr.Carton,whohadsolongsatlookingattheceilingofthecourt,changedneitherhisplacenorhisattitude,eveninthisexcitement.Whilehislearnedfriend,Mr.Stryver,massinghispapersbeforehim,whisperedwiththosewhosatnear,andfromtimetotimeglancedanxiouslyatthejury;whileallthespectatorsmovedmoreorless,andgroupedthemselvesanew;whileevenmyLordhimselfarosefromhisseat,andslowlypacedupanddownhisplatform,notunattendedbyasuspicioninthemindsoftheaudiencethathisstatewasfeverish;thisonemansatleaningback,withhistorngownhalfoffhim,hisuntidywigputonjustasithadhappenedtolightonhisheadafteritsremoval,hishandsinhispockets,andhiseyesontheceilingastheyhadbeenallday.Somethingespeciallyrecklessinhisdemeanour,notonlygavehimadisreputablelook,butsodiminishedthestrongresemblanceheundoubtedlyboretotheprisoner(whichhismomentaryearnestness,whentheywerecomparedtogether,hadstrengthened),thatmanyofthelookers-on,takingnoteofhimnow,saidtooneanothertheywouldhardlyhavethoughtthetwoweresoalike.Mr.Crunchermadetheobservationtohisnextneighbour,andadded,`I"dholdhalfaguineathathedon"tgetnolaw-worktodo.Don"tlooklikethesortofonetogetany,dohe?"

Yet,thisMr.Cartontookinmoreofthedetailsofthescenethanheappearedtotakein;fornow,whenMissManette"sheaddroppeduponherfather"sbreast,hewasthefirsttoseeit,andtosayaudibly:`Officer!looktothatyounglady.Help,thegentlemantotakeherout.Don"tyouseeshewillfall!"

Therewasmuchcommiserationforherasshewasremoved,andmuchsympathywithherfather.Ithadevidentlybeenagreatdistresstohim,tohavethedaysofhisimprisonmentrecalled.Hehadshownstronginternalagitationwhenhewasquestioned,andthatponderingorbroodinglookwhichmadehimold,hadbeenuponhim,likeaheavycloud,eversince.Ashepassedout,thejury,whohadturnedbackandpausedamoment,spoke,throughtheirforeman.

Theywerenotagreed,andwishedtoretire.MyLord(perhapswithGeorgeWashingtononhismind)showedsomesurprisethattheywerenotagreed,butsignifiedhispleasurethattheyshouldretireunderwatchandward,andretiredhimself.Thetrialhadlastedallday,andthelampsinthecourtwerenowbeinglighted.Itbegantoberumouredthatthejurywouldbeoutalongwhile.Thespectatorsdroppedofftogetrefreshment,andtheprisonerwithdrewtothebackofthedock,andsatdown.

Mr.Larry,whohadgoneoutwhentheyoungladyandherfatherwentout,nowreappeared,andbeckonedtoJerry:who,intheslackenedinterest,couldeasilygetnearhim.

`Jerry,ifyouwishtotakesomethingtoeat,youcan.But,keepintheway.Youwillbesuretohearwhenthejurycomein.Don"tbeamomentbehindthem,forIwantyoutotaketheverdictbacktothebank.YouarethequickestmessengerIknow,andwillgettoTempleBarlongbeforeIcan."

Jerryhadjustenoughforeheadtoknuckle,andheknuckledinacknowledgmentofthiscommunicationandashilling.

Mr.Cartoncameupatthemoment,andtouchedMr.Lorryonthearm.

`Howistheyounglady?"

`Sheisgreatlydistressed;butherfatheriscomfortingher,andshefeelsthebetterforbeingoutofcourt."

`I"lltelltheprisonerso.Itwon"tdoforarespectablebankgentlemanlikeyou,tobeseenspeakingtohimpublicly,youknow."

Mr.Lorryreddenedasifhewereconsciousofhavingdebatedthepointinhismind,andMr.Cartonmadehiswaytotheoutsideofthebar.Thewayoutofcourtlayinthatdirection,andJerryfollowedhim,alleyes,ears,andspikes.

`Mr.Darnay!"

Theprisonercameforwarddirectly.

`Youwillnaturallybeanxioustohearofthewitness,MissManette.Shewilldoverywell.Youhaveseentheworstofheragitation."

`Iamdeeplysorrytohavebeenthecauseofit.Couldyoutellhersoforme,withmyferventacknowledgments?"

`Yes,Icould.Iwill,ifyouaskit."

Mr.Carton"smannerwassocarelessastobealmostinsolent.Hestood,halfturnedfromtheprisoner,loungingwithhiselbowagainstthebar.

`Idoaskit.Acceptmycordialthanks."

`What,"saidCarton,stillonlyhalfturnedtowardshim,`doyouexpect,Mr.Darnay?"

`Theworst."

`It"sthewisestthingtoexpect,andthelikeliest.ButIthinktheirwithdrawingisinyourfavour.

Loiteringonthewayoutofcourtnotbeingallowed,Jerryheardnomore:butleftthem——solikeeachotherinfeature,sounlikeeachotherinmanner——standingsidebyside,bothreflectedintheglassabovethem.

Anhourandahalflimpedheavilyawayinthethief-and-rascalcrowdedpassagesbelow,eventhoughassistedoffwithmuttonpiesandale.Thehoarsemessenger,uncomfortablyseatedonaformaftertakingthatrefection,haddroppedintoadoze,whenaloudmurmurandarapidtideofpeoplesettingupthestairsthatledtothecourt,carriedhimalongwiththem.

`Jerry!Jerry!"Mr.Lorrywasalreadycallingatthedoorwhenhegotthere.

`Here,sir!It"safighttogetbackagain.HereIam,sir!"

Mr.Lorryhandedhimapaperthroughthethrong.`Quick!Haveyougotit?"

`Yes,sir!"

Hastilywrittenonthepaperwastheword`ACQUITTED".

`Ifyouhadsentthemessage,"RecalledtoLife,"again,mutteredJerry,asheturned,`Ishouldhaveknownwhatyoumeant,thistime."

Hehadnoopportunityofsaying,orsomuchasthinking,anythingelse,untilhewasclearoftheOldBailey;for,thecrowdcamepouringoutwithavehemencethatnearlytookhimoffhislegs,andaloudbuzzsweptintothestreetasifthebaffledblue-fliesweredispersinginsearchofothercarrion.

CHAPTERIV

Congratulatory

FROMthedimly-lightedpassagesofthecourt,thelastsedimentofthehumanstewthathadbeenboilingthereallday,wasstrainingoff,whenDoctorManette,LucieManette,hisdaughter,Mr.Lorry,thesolicitorforthedefence,anditscounsel,Mr.Stryver,stoodgatheredroundMr.CharlesDarnay——justreleased——congratulatinghimonhisescapefromdeath.

Itwouldhavebeendifficultbyafarbrighterlight,torecogniseinDoctorManette,intellectualoffaceanduprightofbearing,theshoemakerofthegarretinParis.Yet,noonecouldhavelookedathimtwice,withoutlikingagain:eventhoughtheopportunityofobservationhadnotextendedtothemournfulcadenceofhislowgravevoice,andtotheabstractionthatovercloudedhimfitfully,withoutanyapparentreason.Whileoneexternalcause,andthatareferencetohislonglingeringagony,wouldalways——asonthetrial——evokethisconditionfromthedepthsofhissoul,itwasalsoinitsnaturetoariseofitself,andtodrawagloomoverhim,asincomprehensibletothoseunacquaintedwithhisstoryasiftheyhadseentheshadowoftheactualBastillethrownuponhimbyasummersun,whenthesubstancewasthreehundredmilesaway.

Onlyhisdaughterhadthepowerofcharmingthisblackbroodingfromhismind.ShewasthegoldenthreadthatunitedhimtoaPastbeyondhismisery,andtoaPresentbeyondhismisery:andthesoundofhervoice,thelightofherface,thetouchofherhand,hadastrongbeneficialinfluencewithhimalmostalways.Notabsolutelyalways,forshecouldrecallsomeoccasionsonwhichherpowerhadfailed;buttheywerefewandslight,andshebelievedthemover.

Mr.Darnayhadkissedherhandferventlyandgratefully,andhadturnedtoMr.Stryver,whomhewarmlythanked.Mr.Stryver,amanoflittlemorethanthirty,butlookingtwentyyearsolderthanhewas,stout,loud,red,bluff,andfreefromanydrawbackofdelicacy,hadapushingwayofshoulderinghimself(morallyandphysically)intocompaniesandconversations,thatarguedwellforhisshoulderinghiswayupinlife.

Hestillhadhiswigandgownon,andhesaid,squaringhimselfathislateclienttothatdegreethathesqueezedtheinnocentMr.Lorrycleanoutofthegroup:`Iamgladtohavebroughtyouoffwithhonour,Mr.Darnay.Itwasaninfamousprosecution,grosslyinfamous;butnotthelesslikelytosucceedonthataccount.

`Youhavelaidmeunderanobligationtoyouforlife-intwosenses,"saidhislateclient,takinghishand.

`Ihavedonemybestforyou,Mr.Darnay;andmybestisasgoodasanotherman"s,Ibelieve."

Itclearlybeingincumbentonsomeonetosay,`Muchbetter,"Mr.Lorrysaidit;perhapsnotquitedisinterestedly,butwiththeinterestedobjectofsqueezinghimselfbackagain.

`Youthinkso?"saidMr.Stryver.`Well!youhavebeenpresentallday,,andyououghttoknow.Youareamanofbusiness,too.

`Andassuch,"quothMr.Larry,whomthecounsellearnedinthelawhadnowshoulderedbackintothegroup,justashehadpreviouslyshoulderedhimoutofit——`assuchIwillappealtoDoctorManette,tobreakupthisconferenceandorderusalltoourhomes.MissLucielooksill,Mr.Darnayhashadaterribleday,wearewornout."

`Speakforyourself,Mr.Lorry,"saidStryver;`Ihaveanight"sworktodoyet.Speakforyourself."

`Ispeakformyself,"answeredMr.Lorry,`andforMr.Darnay,andforMissLucie,and——MissLucie,doyounotthinkImayspeakforusall?"Heaskedherthequestionpointedly,andwithaglanceatherfather.

Hisfacehadbecomefrozen,asitwere,inaverycuriouslookatDarnay:anintentlook,deepeningintoafrownofdislikeanddistrust,notevenunmixedwithfear.Withthisstrangeexpressiononhimhisthoughtshadwanderedaway.

`Myfather,"saidLucie,softlylayingherhandonhis.

Heslowlyshooktheshadowoff,andturnedtoher.

`Shallwegohome,myfather?"

Withalongbreath,heanswered`Yes."

Thefriendsoftheacquittedprisonerhaddispersed,undertheimpressionwhichhehimselfhadoriginated——thathewouldnotbereleasedthatnight.Thelightswerenearlyallextinguishedinthepassages,theirongateswerebeingclosedwithajarandarattle,andthedismalplacewasdeserteduntilto-morrowmorning"sinterestofgallows,pillory,whipping-post,andbranding-iron,shouldre-peopleit.WalkingbetweenherfatherandMr.Darnay,LucieManettepassedintotheopenair.Ahackney-coachwascalled,andthefatheranddaughterdepartedinit.

Mr.Stryverhadlefttheminthepassages,toshoulderhiswaybacktotherobing-room.Anotherperson,whohadnotjoinedthegroup,orinterchangedawordwithanyoneofthem,butwhohadbeenleaningagainstthewallwhereitsshadowwasdarkest,hadsilentlystrolledoutaftertherest,andhadlookedonuntilthecoachdroveaway.HenowsteppeduptowhereMr.LorryandMr.Darnaystooduponthepavement.

`So,Mr.Lorry!MenofbusinessmayspeaktoMr.Darnaynow?"

NobodyhadmadeanyacknowledgmentofMr.Carton"spartintheday"sproceedings;nobodyhadknownofit.Hewasunrobed,andwasnonethebetterforitinappearance.

`Ifyouknewwhataconflictgoesoninthebusinessmind,whenthebusinessmindisdividedbetweengood-naturedimpulseandbusinessappearances,youwouldbeamused,Mr.Darnay."

Mr.Lorryreddened,andsaid,warmly,`Youhavementionedthatbefore,sir.Wemenofbusiness,whoserveaHouse,arenotourownmasters.WehavetothinkoftheHousemorethanourselves."

`Iknow,Iknow,"rejoinedMr.Carton,carelessly.`Don"tbenettled,Mr.Lorry.Youareasgoodasanother,Ihavenodoubt:better,Idaresay."

`Andindeed,sir,"pursuedMr.Lorry,notmindinghim,`Ireallydon"tknowwhatyouhavetodowiththematter.Ifyou"llexcuseme,asverymuchyourcider,forsayingso,Ireallydon"tknowthatitisyourbusiness."

`Business!Blessyou,Ihavenobusiness,"saidMr.Carton.`Itisapityyouhavenot,sir."

`Ithinkso,too."

`Ifyouhad,"pursuedMr.Lorry,`perhapsyouwouldattendtoit."

`Lordloveyou,no!——Ishouldn"t,"saidMr.Carton.

`Well,sir!"criedMr.Lorry,thoroughlyheatedbyhisindifference,`businessisaverygoodthing,andaveryrespectablething.And,sir,ifbusinessimposesitsrestraintsanditssilencesandimpediments,Mr.Darnayasayounggentlemanofgenerosityknowshowtomakeallowanceforthatcircumstance.Mr.Darnay,good-night,Godblessyou,sir!Ihopeyouhavebeenthisdaypreservedforaprosperousandhappylife——Chairthere!"

Perhaps"alittleangrywithhimselfaswellaswiththebarrister,Mr.Lorryhustledintothechair,andwascarriedofftoTellson"s.Carton,whosmeltofportwine,anddidnotappeartobequitesober,laughedthen,andturnedtoDarnay:

`Thisisastrangechancethatthrowsyouandmetogether.Thismustbeastrangenighttoyou,standingaloneherewithyourcounterpartonthesestreetstones?"

`Ihardlyseemyet,"returnedCharlesDarnay,`tobelongtothisworldagain."

`Idon"twonderatit;it"snotsolongsinceyouwereprettyfaradvancedonyourwaytoanother.Youspeakfaintly."

`IbegintothinkIamfaint."

`Thenwhythedevildon"tyoudine?Idined,myselfwhilethosenumskullsweredeliberatingwhichworldyoushouldbelongto——this,orsomeother.Letmeshowyouthenearesttaverntodinewellat."

Drawinghisarmthroughhisown,hetookhimdownLudgate-hilltoFleet-street,andso,upacoveredway,intoatavern.Here,theywereshownintoalittleroom,whereCharlesDarnaywassoonrecruitinghisstrengthwithagoodplaindinnerandgoodwine:whileCartonsatoppositetohimatthesametable,withhisseparatebottleofportbeforehim,andhisfullyhalf-insolentmanneruponhim.

`Doyoufeel,yet,thatyoubelongtothisterrestrialschemeagain,Mr.Darnay?"

`Iamfrightfullyconfusedregardingtimeand"place;butIamsofarmendedastofeelthat."

`Itmustbeanimmensesatisfaction!"

Hesaiditbitterly,andfilleduphisglassagain:whichwasalargeone.

`Astome,thegreatestdesireIhave,istoforgetthatIbelongtoit.Ithasnogoodinitforme——exceptwinelikethis——norIforit.Sowearenotmuchalikeinthatparticular.Indeed,Ibegintothinkwearenotmuchalikeinanyparticular,youandI."

Confusedbytheemotionoftheday,andfeelinghisbeingtherewiththisDoubleofcoarsedeportment,tobelikeadream,CharlesDarnaywasatalosshowtoanswer;finally,answerednotatall.

`Nowyourdinnerisdone,"Cartonpresentlysaid,`whydon"tyoucallahealth,Mr.Darnay;whydon"tyougiveyourtoast?"

`Whathealth?Whattoast?"

`Why,it"sonthetipofyourtongue.Itoughttobe,itmustbe,I"llswearit"sthere.

`MissManette,then!"

`MissManette,then!"

Lookinghiscompanionfullinthefacewhilehedrankthetoast,Cartonflunghisglassoverhisshoulderagainstthewall,whereitshiveredtopieces;then,rangthebell,andorderedinanother.

`That"safairyoungladytohandtoacoachinthedark,Mr.Darnay!"hesaid,fillinghisnewgoblet.

Aslightfrownandalaconic`Yes,"weretheanswer.

`That"safairyoungladytobepitiedbyandweptforby!Howdoesitfeel?Isitworthbeingtriedforone"slife,tobetheobjectofsuchsympathyandcompassion,Mr.Darnay?"

AgainDarnayanswerednotaword.

`Shewasmightilypleasedtohaveyourmessage,whenIgaveither.Notthatsheshowedshewaspleased,butIsupposeshewas."

TheallusionservedasatimelyremindertoDarnaythatthisdisagreeablecompanionhad,ofhisownfreewill,assistedhiminthestraitoftheday.Heturnedthedialoguetothatpoint,andthankedhimforit.

`Ineitherwantanythanks,normeritany,"wasthecarelessrejoinder.`Itwasnothingtodo,inthefirstplace;andIdon"tknowwhyIdidit,inthesecond.Mr.Darnay,let"measkyouaquestion."

`Willingly,andasmallreturnforyourgoodoffices."

`DoyouthinkIparticularlylikeyou?"

`Really,Mr.Carton,"returnedtheother,oddlydisconcerted,`Ihavenotaskedmyselfthequestion."

`Butaskyourselfthequestionnow."

`Youhaveactedasifyoudo;butIdon"tthinkyoudo."

`1don"tthinkIdo,"saidCarton.`Ibegintohaveaverygoodopinionofyourunderstanding."

`Nevertheless,"pursuedDarnay,risingtoringthebell,`thereisnothinginthat,Ihope,topreventmycallingthereckoning,andourpartingwithoutill-bloodoneitherside."

Cartonrejoining,`Nothinginlife!"Darnayrang.`Doyoucallthewholereckoning?"saidCarton.Onhisansweringintheaffirmative,`Thenbringmeanotherpintofthissamewine,drawer,andcomeandwakemeatten."

Thebillbeingpaid,CharlesDarnayroseandwishedhimgood-night.Withoutreturningthewish,Cartonrosetoo,withsomethingofathreatofdefianceinhismanner,andsaid,`Alastword,Mr.Darnay:youthinkIamdrunk?"

`Ithinkyouhavebeendrinking,Mr.Carton."

`Think?YouknowIhavebeendrinking."

`SinceImustsayso,Iknowit."

`Thenyoushalllikewiseknowwhy.Iamadisappointeddrudge,sir.Icarefornomanonearth,andnomanonearthcaresforme."

`Muchtoberegretted.Youmighthaveusedyourtalentsbetter."

`Maybeso,Mr.Darnay;maybenot.Don"tletyoursoberfaceelateyou,however;youdon"tknowwhatitmaycometo.Good-night!"

Whenhewasleftalone,thisstrangebeingtookupacandle,wenttoaglassthathungagainstthewall,andsurveyedhimselfminutelyinit.

`Doyouparticularlyliketheman?"hemuttered,athisownimage;`whyshouldyouparticularlylikeamanwhoresemblesyou?Thereisnothinginyoutolike;youknowthat.Ah,confoundyou!Whatachangeyouhavemadeinyourself!Agoodreasonfortakingtoaman,thatheshowsyouwhatyouhavefallenawayfrom,andwhatyoumighthavebeen!Changeplaceswithhim,andwouldyouhavebeenlookedatbythoseblueeyesashewas,andcommiseratedbythatagitatedfaceashewas?Comeon,andhaveitoutinplainwords!Youhatethefellow."

Heresortedtohispintofwineforconsolation,drankitallinafewminutes,andfellasleeponhisarms,withhishairstragglingoverthetable,andalongwinding-sheetinthecandledrippingdownuponhim.

CHAPTERV

TheJackal

THOSEweredrinkingdays,andmootmendrankhard.SoverygreatistheimprovementTimehasbroughtaboutinsuchhabits,thatamoderatestatementofthequantityofwineandpunchwhichonemanwouldswallowinthecourseofanight,withoutanydetrimenttohisreputationasaperfectgentleman,wouldseem,inthesedays,aridiculousexaggeration.ThelearnedprofessionofthelawwascertainlynotbehindanyotherlearnedprofessioninitsBacchanalianPropensities;neitherwasMr.Stryver,alreadyfastshoulderinghiswaytoalargeandlucrativepractice,behindhiscompeersinthisparticular,anymorethaninthedrierpartsofthelegalrace.

AfavouriteattheOldBailey,andekeattheSessions,Mr.Stryverhadbeguncautiouslytohewawaythelowerstavesoftheladderonwhichhemounted.SessionsandOldBaileyhadnowtosummontheirfavourite,specially,totheirlongingarms;andshoulderingitselftowardsthevisageoftheLordChiefJusticeintheCourtofKing"sBench,thefloridcountenanceofMr.Stryvermightbedailyseen,burstingoutofthebedofwigs,likeagreatsunflowerpushingitswayatthesunfromamongarankgardenfullofflaringcompanions.

adoncebeennotedattheBar,thatwhileMr.Stryverwasaglibman,andanunscrupulous,andaready,andabold,hehadnotthatfacultyofextractingtheessencefromaheapofstatements,whichisamongthemoststrikingandnecessaryoftheadvocate"saccomplishments.Butaremarkableimprovementcameuponhimastothis.Themorebusinesshegot,thegreaterhispowerseemedtogrowofgettingatitspithandmarrow;andhoweverlateatnighthesatcarousingwithSydneyCarton,healwayshadhispointsathisfingers"endsinthemorning.

SydneyCarton,idlestandmostunpromisingofmen,wasStryver"sgreatally.Whatthetwodranktogether,betweenHilaryTermandMichaelmas,mighthavefloatedaking"sship.Stryverneverhadacaseinhand,anywhere,butCartonwasthere,withhishandsinhispockets,staringattheceilingofthecourt;theywentthesameCircuit,andeventheretheyprolongedtheirusualorgieslateintothenight,andCartonwasrumouredtobeseenatbroadday,goinghomestealthilyandunsteadilytohislodgings,likeadissipatedcat.Atlast,itbegantogetabout,amongsuchaswereinterestedinthematter,thatalthoughSydneyCartonwouldneverbealion,hewasanamazinglygoodjackal,andthatherenderedsuitandservicetoStryverinthathumblecapacity.

`Teno"clock,sir,"saidthemanatthetavern,whomhehadchargedtowakehim——"teno"clock,sir."

`What"sthematter?"

`Teno"clock,sir."

`Whatdoyoumean?Teno"clockatnight?"

`Yes,sir.Yourhonourtoldmetocallyou."

`Oh!Iremember.Verywell,verywell."

Afterafewdulleffortstogettosleepagain,whichthemandexterouslycombatedbystirringthefirecontinuouslyforfiveminutes,hegotup,tossedhishaton,andwalkedout.HeturnedintotheTemple,and,havingrevivedhimselfbytwicepacingthepavementsofKing"sBench-walkandPaper-buildings,turnedintotheStryverchambers.

TheStryverclerk,whoneverassistedattheseconferences,hadgonehome,andtheStryverprincipalopenedthedoor.Hehadhisslipperson,andaloosebed-gown,andhisthroatwasbareforhisgreaterease.Hehadthatratherwild,strained,searedmarkingabouttheeyes,whichmaybeobservedinallfreeliversofhisclass,fromtheportraitofJeffriesdownward,andwhichcanbetraced,undervariousdisguisesofArt,throughtheportraitsofeveryDrinkingAge.

`Youarealittlelate,Memory,"saidStryver.

`Abouttheusualtime;itmaybeaquarterofanhourlater."

Theywentintoadingyroomlinedwithbooksandlitteredwithpapers,wheretherewasablazingfire.Akettlesteameduponthehob,andinthemidstofthewreckofpapersatableshone,withplentyofwineuponit,andbrandy,andrum,andsugar,andlemons.

`Youhavehadyourbottle,Iperceive,Sydney."

`Twoto-night,Ithink.Ihavebeendiningwiththeday"sclient;orseeinghimdine——it"sallone!"

`Thatwasararepoint,Sydney,thatyoubroughttobearupontheidentification.Howdidyoucomebyit?Whendiditstrikeyou?"

`Ithoughthewasratherahandsomefellow,andIthoughtIshouldhavebeenmuchthesamesortoffellow,ifIhadhadanyluck."

Mr.Stryverlaughedtillheshookhisprecociouspaunch.

`Youandyourluck,Sydney!Gettowork,gettowork."Sullenlyenough,thejackalloosenedhisdress,wentintoanadjoiningroom,andcamebackwithalargejugofcoldwater,abasin,andatowelortwo.Steepingthetowelsinthewater,andpartiallywringingthemout,hefoldedthemonhisheadinamannerhideoustobehold,satdownatthetable,andsaid,`NowIamready!"

`Notmuchboilingdowntobedoneto-night,Memory,"saidMr.Stryver,gaily,ashelookedamonghispapers.

`Howmuch?"

`Onlytwosetsofthem."

`Givemetheworstfirst."

`Theretheyare,Sydney.Fireaway!"

Thelionthencomposedhimselfonhisbackonasofaononesideofthedrinking-table,whilethejackalsatathisownPaperbestrewntableproper,ontheothersideofit,withthebottlesandglassesreadytohishand.Bothresortedtothedrinking-tablewithoutstint,buteachinadifferentway;thelionforthemostpartrecliningwithhishandsinhiswaistband,lookingatthefire,oroccasionallyflirtingwithsomelighterdocument;thejackal,withknittedbrowsandintentface,sodeepinhistask,thathiseyesdidnotevenfollowthehandhestretchedoutforhisglass——whichoftengropedabout,foraminuteormore,beforeitfoundtheglassforhislips.Twoorthreetimes,thematterinhandbecamesoknotty,thatthejackalfounditimperativeonhimtogetup,andsteephistowelsanew.Fromthesepilgrimagestothejugandbasin,hereturnedwithsucheccentricitiesofdampheadgearasnowordscandescribe;whichweremadethemoreludicrousbyhisanxiousgravity.

Atlengththejackalhadgottogetheracompactrepastforthelion,andproceededtoofferittohim.Theliontookitwithcareandcaution,madehisselectionsfromit,andhisremarksuponit,andthejackalassistedboth.Whentherepastwasfullydiscussed,thelionputhishandsinhiswaistbandagain,andlaydowntomeditate.Thejackaltheninvigoratedhimselfwithabumperforhisthrottle,andafreshapplicationtohishead,andappliedhimselftothecollectionofasecondmeal;thiswasadministeredtothelioninthesamemanner,andwasnotdisposedofuntiltheclocksstruckthreeinthemorning.

`Andnowwehavedone,Sydney,fillabumperofpunch,"saidMr.Stryver.

Thejackalremovedthetowelsfromhishead,whichhadbeensteamingagain,shookhimself,yawned,shivered,andcomplied.

`Youwereverysound,Sydney,inthematterofthosecrownwitnessesto-day.Everyquestiontold."

`Ialwaysamsound;amInot?"

`Idon"tgainsayit.Whathasroughen"edyourtemper?Putsomepunchtoitandsmoothitagain.

Withadeprecatorygrunt,thejackalagaincomplied.

`TheoldSydneyCartonofoldShrewsburySchool,"saidStryver,noddinghisheadoverhimashereviewedhiminthepresentandthepast,`theoldseesawSydney.Uponeminuteanddownthenext;nowinspiritsandnowindespondency!"

`Ah!"returnedtheother,sighing:`yes!ThesameSydney,withthesameluck.Eventhen,Ididexercisesforotherboys,andseldomdidmyown."

`Andwhynot?"`Godknows.Itwasmyway,Isuppose."

Hesat,withhishandsinhispocketsandhislegsstretchedoutbeforehim,lookingatthefire.

`Carton,"saidhisfriend,squaringhimselfathimwithabullyingair,asifthefire-gratehadbeenthefurnaceinwhichsustainedendeavourwasforged,andtheonedelicatethingtobedonefortheoldSydneyCartonofoldShrewsburySchoolwastoshoulderhimintoit,`yourwayis,andalwayswas,alameway.Yousummonnoenergyandpurpose.Lookatme.

`Oh,botheration!"returnedSydney,withalighterandmoregood-humouredlaugh,`don"t*youbemoral!"

`HowhaveIdonewhatIhavedone?"saidStryver;`howdoIdowhatIdo?"

`Partlythroughpayingmetohelpyou,Isuppose.Butit"snotworthyourwhiletoapostrophiseme,ortheair,aboutit;whatyouwanttodo,youdo.Youwerealwaysinthefrontrank,andIwasalwaysbehind."

`Ihadtogetintothefrontrank;Iwasnotbornthere,wasI?"

`Iwasnotpresentattheceremony;butmyopinionisyouwere,"saidCarton.Atthis,helaughedagain,andtheybothlaughed.

`BeforeShrewsbury,andatShrewsbury,andeversinceShrewsbury,"pursuedCarton,`youhavefallenintoyourrank,andIhavefallenintomine.EvenwhenwewerefellowstudentsintheStudent-QuarterofParis,pickingupFrench,andFrenchlaw,andotherFrenchcrumbsthatwedidn"tgetmuchgoodof,youwerealwayssomewhere,andIwasalways——nowhere."

`Andwhosefaultwasthat?"

`Uponmysoul,Iamnotsurethatitwasnotyours.Youwerealwaysdrivingandrivingandshoulderingandpressing,tothatrestlessdegreethatIhadnochanceformylifebutinrustandrepose.It"sagloomything,however,totalkaboutone"sOwnpast,withthedaybreaking.TurnmeinsomeotherdirectionbeforeIgo."

`Wellthen!Pledgemetotheprettywitness,"saidStryver,holdinguphisglass.`Areyouturnedinapleasantdirection?"

Apparentlynot,forhebecamegloomyagain.

`Prettywitness,"hemuttered,lookingdownintohisglass.`Ihavehadenoughofwitnessesto-dayandto-night;who"syourprettywitness?"

`Thepicturesquedoctor"sdaughter,MissManette."

`Shepretty?"

`Isshenot?"

`No."

`Why,manalive,shewastheadmirationofthewholeCourt!"

`RottheadmirationofthewholeCourt!WhomadetheOldBaileyajudgeofbeauty?Shewasagolden-haireddoll!"

`Doyouknow,Sydney,"saidMr.Stryver,lookingathimwithsharpeyes,andslowlydrawingahandacrosshisfloridface:`doyouknow,Iratherthought,atthetime,thatyousympathisedwiththegolden-haireddoll,andwerequicktoseewhat=happenedtothegolden-haireddoll?"

`Quicktoseewhathappened!Ifagirl,dollornodoll,swoonswithinayardortwoofaman"snose,hecanseeitwithoutaperspective-glass.Ipledgeyou,butIdenythebeauty.AndnowI"llhavenomoredrink;I"llgettobed."

Whenhishostfollowedhimoutonthestaircasewithacandle,tolighthimdownthestairs,thedaywascoldlylookinginthroughitsgrimywindows.Whenhegotoutofthehouse,theairwascoldandsad,thedullskyovercast,theriverdarkanddim,thewholescenelikealifelessdesert.Andwreathsofdustwerespinningroundandroundbeforethemorningblast,asifthedesert-sandhadrisenfaraway,andthefirstsprayofitinitsadvancehadbeguntooverwhelmthecity.

Wasteforceswithinhim,andadesert"allaround,thismanstoodstillonhiswayacrossasilentterrace,andsawforamoment,lyinginthewildernessbeforehim,amirageofhonourableambition,self-denial,andperseverance.Inthefaircityofthisvision,therewereairygalleriesfromwhichthelovesandgraceslookeduponhim,gardensinwhichthefruitsoflifehungripening,watersofHopethatsparkledinhissight.Amoment,anditwasgone.Climbingtoahighchamberinawellofhouses,hethrewhimselfdowninhisclothesonaneglectedbed,anditspillowwaswetwithwastedtears.

Sadly,sadly,thesunrose;itroseuponnosaddersightthanthemanofgoodabilitiesandgoodemotions,incapableoftheirdirectedexercise,incapableofhisownhelpandhisownhappiness,sensibleoftheblightonhim,andresigninghim-selftoletitcathimaway.

CHAPTERVI

HundredsofPeople

THEquietlodgingsofDoctorManettewereinaquietstreet-cornernotfarfromSoho-square.OntheafternoonofacertainfineSundaywhenthewavesoffourmonthshadrolledoverthetrialfortreason,andcarriedit,astothepublicinterestandmemory,farouttosea,Mr.JarvisLorrywalkedalongthesunnystreetsfromClerkenwellwherehelived,onhiswaytodinewiththeDoctor.Afterseveralrelapsesintobusiness-absorption,Mr.LorryhadbecometheDoctor"sfriend,andthequietstreet-cornerwasthesunnypartofhislife.

OnthiscertainfineSunday,Mr.LorrywalkedtowardsSoho,earlyintheafternoon,forthreereasonsofhabit.Firstly,because,onfineSundays,heoftenwalkedout,beforedinner,withtheDoctorandLucie;secondly,because,onunfavourableSundays,hewasaccustomedtobewiththemasthefamilyfriend,talking,reading,lookingoutofwindow,andgenerallygettingthroughtheday;thirdly,becausehehappenedtohavehisownlittleshrewddoubtstosolve,andknewhowthewaysoftheDoctor"shouseholdpointedtothattimeasalikelytimeforsolvingthem.

AquaintercornerthanthecornerwheretheDoctorlived,wasnottobefoundinLondon.Therewasnowaythroughit,andthefrontwindowsoftheDoctor"slodgingscommandedapleasantlittlevistaofstreetthathadacongenialairofretirementonit.Therewerefewbuildingsthen,northoftheOxford-road,andforest-treesflourished,andwildflowersgrew,andthehawthornblossomed,inthenowvanishedfields.Asaconsequence,countryairscirculatedinSohowithvigorousfreedom,insteadoflanguishingintotheparishlikestraypauperswithoutasettlement;andtherewasmanyagoodsouthwall,notfaroff,onwhichthepeachesripenedintheirseason.

Thesummerlightstruckintothecornerbrilliantlyintheearlierpartoftheday;but,whenthestreetsgrewhot,thecornerwasinshadow,thoughnotinshadowsoremotebutthatyoucouldseebeyonditintoaglareofbrightness.Itwasacoolspot,staidbutcheerful,awonderfulplaceforechoes,andaveryharbourfromtheragingstreets.

Thereoughttohavebeenatranquilbarkinsuchananchorage,andtherewas.TheDoctoroccupiedtwofloorsofalargestillhouse,whereseveralcallingspurportedtobepursuedbyday,butwhereoflittlewasaudibleanyday,andwhichwasshunnedbyallofthematnight.Inabuildingattheback,attainablebyacourt-yard"whereaplane-treerustleditsgreenleaves,church-organsclaimedtobemade,andsilvertobechased,andlikewisegoldtobebeatenbysomemysteriousgiantwhohadagoldenarmstartingoutofthewallofthefronthall——asifhehadbeatenhimselfprecious,andmenacedasimilarconversionofallvisitors.Verylittleofthesetrades,orofalonelylodgerrumouredtoliveup-stairs,orofadimcoach-trimmingmakerassertedtohaveacounting-housebelow,waseverheardorseen.Occasionally,astrayworkmanputtinghiscoaton,traversedthehall,orastrangerpeeredaboutthere,oradistantclinkwasheardacrossthecourt-yard,orathumpfromthegoldengiant.These,how-ever,wereonlytheexceptionsrequiredtoprovetherulethatthesparrowsintheplane-treebehindthehouse,andtheechoesinthecornerbeforeit,hadtheirownwayfromSundaymorninguntoSaturdaynight.

DoctorManettereceivedsuchpatientshereashisoldreputation,anditsrevivalinthefloatingwhispersofhisstory,broughthim.Hisscientificknowledge,andhisvigilanceandskillinconductingingeniousexperiments,broughthimother-wiseintomoderaterequest,andheearneda,muchashewanted.

ThesethingswerewithinMr.JarvisLorry"sknowledge,thoughts,andnotice,whenherangthedoor-bellofthetranquilhouseinthecorner,onthefineSundayafternoon.

`DoctorManetteathome?"

Expectedhome.

`MissLucieathome?"

Expectedhome.