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.