第12章

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

`Hey!"criedthemenderofroads,reflectively;`that"strue."`Thesefoolsknownothing.Whiletheydespiseyourbreath,andwouldstopitforeverandever,inyouorinahundredlikeyouratherthaninoneoftheirownhorsesordogs,theyonlyknowwhatyourbreathtellsthem.Letitdeceivethem,then,alittlelonger;itcannotdeceivethemtoomuch."

MadameDefargelookedsuperciliouslyattheclient,andnoddedinconfirmation.

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

`Truly,madame,Ithinkso.Forthemoment."

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

`Trulyyes,madame."

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

`Itistrue,madame."

`Youhaveseenbothdollsandbirdstoday,"saidMadameDefarge,withawaveofherhandtowardstheplacewheretheyhadlastbeenapparent;`now,gohome!"

CHAPTERXVI

Stillknitting

MADAMEDEFARGEandmonsieurherhusbandreturnedamicablytothebosomofSaintAntoine,whileaspeckinabluecaptoiledthroughthedarkness,andthroughthedust,anddownthewearymilesofavenuebythewayside,slowlytendingtowardsthatpointofthecompasswherethechateauofMonsieurtheMarquis,nowinhisgrave,listenedtothewhisperingtrees.Suchampleleisurehadthestonefaces,now,forlisteningtothetreesandtothefountain,thatthefewvillagescarecrowswho,intheirquestforherbstoeatandfragmentsofdeadsticktoburn,strayedwithinsightofthegreatstonecourtyardandterracestaircase,haditborneinupontheirstarvedfancythattheexpressionofthefaceswasaltered.Arumourjustlivedinthevillage——hadafaintandbareexistencethere,asitspeoplehadthatwhentheknifestruckhome,thefaceschanged,fromfacesofpridetofacesofangerandpainalso,thatwhenthatdanglingfigurewashauledupfortyfeeabovethefountain,theychangedagain,andboreacruellookofbeingavenged,whichtheywouldhenceforthbearforever.Inthestonefaceoverthegreatwindowofthebed-chamberwherethemurderwasdone,twofinedintswerepointedoutinthesculpturednose,whicheverybodyrecognised,andwhichnobodyhadseenofold;andonthescarceoccasionswhentwoorthreeraggedpeasantsemergedfromthecrowdtotakeahurriedpeepatMonsieurtheMarquispetrified,askinnyfingerwouldnothavepointedtoitforaminute,beforetheyallstartedawayamongthemossandleaves,likethemorefortunatehareswhocouldfindalivingthere.

Chateauandhut,stonefaceanddanglingfigure,theredstainonthestonefloor,andthepurewaterinthevillagewell——thousandsofacresofland——awholeprovinceofFrance——allFranceitself——layunderthenightsky,concentratedintoafainthairbreadthline.Sodoesawholeworld,withallitsgreatnessesandlittlenesses,lieinatwinklingstar.Andasmerehumanknowledgecansplitarayoflightandanalysethemannerofitscomposition,so,sublimerintelligencesmayreadinthefeebleshiningofthisearthofours,everythoughtandact,everyviceandvirtue,ofeveryresponsiblecreatureonit.

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

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

`Saythen,myfriend;whatdidJacquesofthepolicetellthee?"

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

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

`HeisEnglish."

`Somuchthebetter.Hisname?"

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

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

`John."

`JohnBarsad,"repeatedmadame,aftermurmuringitoncetoherself.`Good.Hisappearance;isitknown?"

`Age,aboutfortyyears;height,aboutfivefeetnine;blackhair;complexiondark;generally,ratherhandsomevisage;eyesdark,facethin,long,andsallow;noseaquiline,butnotstraight,havingapeculiarinclinationtowardstheleftcheek;expression,therefore,sinister."

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

Theyturnedintothewine-shop,whichwasclosed(foritwasmidnight)andwhereMadameDefargeimmediatelytookherpostatherdesk,countedthesmallmoneysthathadbeentakenduringherabsence,examinedthestock,wentthroughtheentriesinthebook,madeotherentriesofherown,checkedtheservingmanineverypossibleway,andfinallydismissedhimtobed.Thensheturnedoutthecontentsofthebowlofmoneyforthesecondtime,andbeganknottingthemupinherhandkerchief,inachainofseparateknots,forsafekeepingthroughthenight.Allthiswhile,Defarge,withhispipeinhismouth,walkedupanddown,complacentlyadmiring,butneverinterfering;inwhichcondition,indeed,astothebusinessandhisdomesticaffairs,hewalkedupanddownthroughlife.

Thenightwashot,andtheshop,closeshutandsurroundedbysofoulaneighbourhood,wasill-smelling.MonsieurDefarge"solfactorysensewasbynomeansdelicate,butthestockofwinesmeltmuchstrongerthanitevertasted,andsodidthestockofrumandbrandyandaniseed.Hewhiffedthecompoundofscentsaway,asheputdownhissmoked-outpipe.

`Youarefatigued,"saidmadame,raisingherglanceassheknottedthemoney.`Thereareonlytheusualodours."

`Iamalittletired,"herhusbandacknowledged.

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

`Butmydear!"beganDefarge.

`Butmydear!"repeatedmadame,noddingfirmly;`butmydear!Youarefaintofhearttonight,mydear!"

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

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

`ItdoesnottakealongtimetostrikeamanwithLightning,"saidDefarge.

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

Defargeraisedhisheadthoughtfully,asifthereweresomethinginthattoo.

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

`Alongtime,Isuppose,"saidDefarge.

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

Shetiedaknotwithflashingeyes,asifitthrottledafoe.

`Itellthee,"saidmadame,extendingherrighthand,foremphasis,`thatalthoughitisalongtimeontheroad,itisontheroadandcoming.Itelltheeitneverretreats,andneverstops.Itelltheeitisalwaysadvancing.Lookaroundandconsiderthelivesofalltheworldthatweknow,considerthefacesofalltheworldthatweknow,considertherageanddiscontenttowhichtheJacquerieaddressesitselfwithmoreandmoreofcertaintyeveryhour.Cansuchthingslast?Bah!Imockyou."

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

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

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

Weshallhavehelpedit,"returnedmadame,withherextendedhandinstrongaction.`Nothingthatwedo,isdoneinvain.Ibelieve,withallmysoul,thatweshallseethetriumph.Butevenifnot,evenifIknewcertainlynot,showmetheneckofanaristocratandtyrant,andstillIwould——"

Thenmadame,withherteethset,tiedaveryterribleknotindeed.

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

`Yes!Butitisyourweaknessthatyousometimesneedtoseeyourvictimandyouropportunity,tosustainyou.Sustainyourselfwithoutthat.Whenthetimecomes,letlooseatigerandadevil;butwaitforthetimewiththetigerandthedevilchained——notshown——yetalwaysready."

Madameenforcedtheconclusionofthispieceofadvicebystrikingherlittlecounterwithherchainofmoneyasifsheknockeditsbrainsout,andthengatheringtheheavyhandkerchiefunderherarminaserenemanner,andobservingthatitwastimetogotobed.

Nextnoontidesawtheadmirablewomaninherusualplaceinthewine-shop,knittingawayassiduously.Aroselaybesideher,andifshenowandthenglancedattheflower,itwaswithnoinfractionofherusualpreoccupiedair.Therewereafewcustomers,drinkingornotdrinking,standingorseated,sprinkledabout.Thedaywasveryhot,andheapsofflies,whowereextendingtheirinquisitiveandadventurousperquisitionsintoalltheglutinouslittleglassesnearmadame,felldeadatthebottom.Theirdeceasemadenoimpressionontheotherfliesoutpromenading,wholookedattheminthecoolestmanner(asiftheythemselveswereelephants,orsomethingasfarremoved),untiltheymetthesamefate.Curioustoconsiderhowheedlessfliesare!——perhapstheythoughtasmuchatCourtthatsunnysummerday.

AfigureenteringatthedoorthrewashadowonMadameDefargewhichshefelttobeanewone.Shelaiddownherknitting,andbegantopinherroseinherhead-dress,beforeshelookedatthefigure.

Itwascurious.ThemomentMadameDefargetookuptherose,thecustomersceasedtalking,andbegangraduallytodropoutofthewine-shop.

`Goodday,madame,"saidthenewcomer.

`Goodday,monsieur."

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

`Havethegoodnesstogivemealittleglassofoldcognac,andamouthfulofcoolfreshwater,madame."

Madamecompliedwithapoliteair.

`Marvellouscognacthis,madame!"

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

`Youknitwithgreatskill,madame."

`Iamaccustomedtoit."

`Aprettypatterntoo!"

`Youthinkso?"saidmadame,lookingathimwithasmile.

`Decidedly.Mayoneaskwhatitisfor?"

`Pastime,"saidmadame,stilllookingathimwithasmile,whileherfingersmovednimbly.

`Notforuse?"

`Thatdepends.Imayfindauseforitoneday.IfIdo——well,"saidmadame,drawingabreathandnoddingherheadwithasternkindofcoquetry,`I"lluseit!"

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

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

`Youhaveahusband,madame?"

`Ihave."

`Children?"

`Nochildren."

`Businessseemsbad?"

`Businessisverybad;thepeoplearesopoor."

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

`Asyousay,"madameretorted,correctinghim,anddeftlyknittinganextrasomethingintohisnamethatbodedhimnogood.

`Pardonme;certainlyitwasIwhosaidso,butyounaturallythinkso.Ofcourse."

`Ithink?"returnedmadame,inahighvoice.`Iandmyhusbandhaveenoughtodotokeepthiswine-shopopen,withoutthinking.Allwethink,here,ishowtolive.Thatisthesubjectwethinkof,anditgivesus,frommorningtonight,enoughtothinkabout,withoutembarrassingourheadsconcerningothers.Ithinkforothers?No,no."

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

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

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

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

`Isthere?"askedmadame,vacantly.

`Istherenot?"

`——Hereismyhusband!"saidMadameDefarge.

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

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

`Youdeceiveyourself,monsieur,"returnedthekeeperofthewine-shop.`Youmistakemeforanother.Thatisnotmyname.IamErnestDefarge."

`Itisallthesame,"saidthespy,airily,butdiscomfitedtoo:`goodday!"

`Goodday!"answeredDefarge,drily.

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

`Noonehastoldmeso,"saidDefarge,shakinghishead.`Iknownothingofit."

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

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

`Youseemtoknowthisquarterwell;thatistosay,betterthanIdo?"observedDefarge.

`Notatall,butIhopetoknowitbetter.Iamsoprofoundlyinterestedinitsmiserableinhabitants."

`Hah!"mutteredDefarge.

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

`Indeed!"saidDefarge,withmuchindifference.

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

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

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

`Suchisthefact,"repeatedDefarge.

`Veryinterestingremembrances"saidthespy.`IhaveknownDr.Manetteandhisdaughter,inEngland."

`Yes?"saidDefarge.

`Youdon"thearmuchaboutthemnow?"saidthespy.

`No,"saidDefarge.

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

`Perfectlyso,madame,"repliedthespy.`Sheisgoingtobemarried."

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

`Oh!YouknowIamEnglish."

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

Hedidnottaketheidentificationasacompliment;buthemadethebestofit,andturneditoffwithalaugh.Aftersippinghiscognactotheend,headded:

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

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

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

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

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

`Ifitis——"Defargebegan,andstopped.

`Ifitis?"repeatedhiswife.

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

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

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

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

Sherolledupherknittingwhenshehadsaidthosewords,andpresentlytooktheroseoutofthehandkerchiefthatwaswoundaboutherhead.EitherSaintAntoinehadaninstinctivesensethattheobjectionabledecorationwasgoneorSaintAntoinewasonthewatchforitsdisappearance;howbeit,theSainttookcouragetoloungein,veryshortlyafterwards,andthewine-shoprecovereditshabitualaspect.

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

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

Herhusbandsmokedathisdoor,lookingafterherwithadmiration.`Agreatwoman,"saidhe,`astrongwoman,agrandwoman,afrightfullygrandwoman!"

Darknessclosedaround,andthencametheringingofchurchbellsandthedistantbeatingofthemilitarydrumsinthePalaceCourt-Yard,asthewomensatknitting,knitting.Darknessencompassedthem.Anotherdarknesswasclosinginassurely,whenthechurchbells,thenringingpleasantlyinmanyanairysteepleoverFrance,shouldbemeltedintothunderingcannon;whenthemilitarydrumsshouldbebeatingtodrownawretchedvoice,thatnightall-potentasthevoiceofPowerandPlenty,FreedomandLife.Somuchwasclosinginaboutthewomenwhosatknitting,knitting,thattheytheirveryselveswereclosinginaroundastructureyetunbuilt,wheretheyweretositknitting,knitting,countingdroppingheads.

CHAPTERXVII

OneNight

NEVERdidthesungodownwithabrightergloryonthequietcomerinSoho,thanonememorableeveningwhenDoctorandhisdaughtersatundertheplane-treetogether.NeverdidthemoonrisewithamilderradianceovergreatLondon,thanonthatnightwhenitfoundthemstillseatedunderthetree,andshoneupontheirfacesthroughitsleaves.

Luciewastobemarriedto-morrow.Shehadreservedthislasteveningforherfather,andtheysataloneundertheplane-tree.

`Youarehappy,mydearfather?"

`Quite,mychild."

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

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

Evenasitwas,shecouldnotcommandhervoice.

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

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

Herfatheranswered,withacheerfulfirmnessofconvictionhecouldscarcelyhaveassumed,`Quitesure,mydarling!Morethanthat,"headded,ashetenderlykissedher:`myfutureisfarbrighter,Lucie,seenthroughyourmarriage,thanitcouldhavebeen——nay,thaniteverwas——withoutit."

`IfIcouldhopethat,myfather!——"

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

Shemovedherhandtowardshislips,buthetookitinhis,andrepeatedtheword.

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

`IfIhadneverseenCharles,myfather,Ishouldhavebeenquitehappywithyou."

HesmiledatherunconsciousadmissionthatshewouldhavebeenunhappywithoutCharles,havingseenhim;andreplied:

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

Itwasthefirsttime,exceptatthetrial,ofhereverhearinghimrefertotheperiodofhissuffering.Itgaveherastrangeandnewsensationwhilehiswordswereinherears;andsheremembereditlongafterwards.

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

Thestrangethrillwithwhichsheheardhimgobacktothattime,deepenedashedweltuponit;but,therewasnothingtoshockherinthemannerofhisreference.Heonlyseemedtocontrasthispresentcheerfulnessandfelicitywiththedireendurancethatwasover.

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

Shedrewclosertohim,andkissedhischeekandhishand.`Ihavepicturedmydaughter,tomyself,asperfectlyforgetfulofme——rather,altogetherignorantofme,andunconsciousofme.Ihavecastuptheyearsofherage,yearafteryear.Ihaveseenhermarriedtoamanwhoknewnothingofmyfate.Ihavealtogetherperishedfromtheremembranceoftheliving,andinthenextgenerationmyplacewasablank."

`Myfather!Eventohearthatyouhadsuchthoughtsofadaughterwhoneverexisted,strikestomyheartasifIhadbeenthatchild."

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

Sheknewnothingofyou.Shecarednothingforyou."

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

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

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

Hiscollectedandcalmmannercouldnotpreventherbloodfromrunningcold,ashethustriedtoanatomisehisoldcondition.

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

`Iwasthatchild,myfather.Iwasnothalfsogood,butinmylovethatwasI."

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

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

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

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

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

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

So,thetimecameforhimtobidLuciegoodnight,andtheyseparated.But,inthestillnessofthethirdhourofthemorning,Luciecamedownstairsagain,andstoleintohisroom;notfreefromunshapedfears,beforehand.

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

Intohishandsomeface,thebitterwatersofcaptivityhadworn;but,hecovereduptheirtrackswithadeterminationsostrong,thatheheldthemasteryofthemeveninhissleep.Amoreremarkablefaceinitsquiet,resolute,andguardedstrugglewithanunseenassailant,wasnottobebeheldinallthewidedominionsofsleep,thatnight.

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

CHAPTERXVIII

NineDays

THEmarriage-daywasshiningbrightly,andtheywerereadyoutsidethecloseddooroftheDoctor"sroom,wherehewasspeakingwithCharlesDarnay.Theywerereadytogotochurch;thebeautifulbride,Mr.Lorry,andMissPross——towhomtheevent,throughagradualprocessofreconcilementtotheinevitable,wouldhavebeenoneofabsolutebliss,butfortheyetlingeringconsiderationthatherbrotherSolomonshouldhavebeenthebridegroom.

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

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

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

`Iamnotcrying,"saidMissPross;`youare.

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

`Youwere,justnow;Isawyoudoit,andIdon"twonderatit.Suchapresentofplateasyouhavemade`em,isenoughtobringtearsintoanybody"seyes.There"snotaforkoraspooninthecollection,"saidMissPross,`thatIdidn"tcryover,lastnightaftertheboxcame,tillIcouldn"tseeit."

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

`Notatall!"FromMissPross.

`YouthinktherenevermighthavebeenaMrs.Lorry?"askedthegentlemanofthatname.

`Pooh!"rejoinedMissPross;`youwereabachelorinyourcradle."

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

`Andyouwerecutoutforabachelor,"pursuedMissPross,`beforeyouwereputinyourcradle."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andheragitatedhandwavedtothemfromachaisewindow,andshewasgone.

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