第13章

`Touchthen。\'Itwastheturnofthemenderofroadstosayitthistime，afterobservingtheseoperations。Theyagainjoinedhands。

`To-night?\'saidthemenderofroads。

`To-night，\'saidtheman，puttingthepipeinhismouth。

`Where?\'

`Here。\'

Heandthemenderofroadssatontheheapofstoneslookingsilentlyatoneanother，withthehaildrivinginbetweenthemlikeapigmychargeofbayonets，untiltheskybegantoclearoverthevillage。

`Showme!\'saidthetravellerthen，movingtothebrowofthehill。

`See。\'returnedthemenderofroads，withextendedfinger。`Yougodownhere，andstraightthroughthestreet，andpastthefountain——

`TotheDevilwithallthat!\'interruptedtheother，rollinghiseyeoverthelandscape。`Igothroughnostreetsandpastnofountains。

Well?\'

`Well!Abouttwoleaguesbeyondthesummitofthathillabovethevillage。\'

`Good。Whendoyouceasetowork?\'

`Atsunset。\'

`Willyouwakeme，beforedeparting?Ihavewalkedtwonightswithoutresting。Letmefinishmypipe，andIshallsleeplikeachild。

Willyouwakeme?\'

`Surely。\'

Thewayfarersmokedhispipeout，putitinhisbreast，slippedoffhisgreatwoodenshoes，andlaydownonhisbackontheheapofstones。

Hewasfastasleepdirectly。

Astheroad-menderpliedhisdustylabour，andthehail-clouds，rollingaway，revealedbrightbarsandstreaksofskywhichwererespondedtobysilvergleamsuponthelandscape，thelittleman(whoworearedcapnow，inplaceofhisblueone)seemedfascinatedbythefigureontheheapofstones。Hiseyesweresooftenturnedtowardsit，thatheusedhistoolsmechanically，and，onewouldhavesaid，toverypooraccount。

Thebronzeface，theshaggyblackhairandbeard，thecoarsewoollenredcap，theroughmedleydressofhome-spunstuffandhairyskinsofbeasts，thepowerfulframeattenuatedbyspareliving，andthesullenanddesperatecompressionofthelipsinsleep，inspiredthemenderofroadswithawe。

Thetravellerhadtravelledfar，andhisfeetwerefootsore，andhisankleschafedandbleeding；hisgreatshoes，stuffedwithleavesandgrass，hadbeenheavytodragoverthemanylongleagues，andhisclotheswerechafedintoholes，ashehimselfwasintosores。Stoopingdownbesidehim，theroad-mendertriedtogetapeepatsecretweaponsinhisbreastorwherenot；but，invain，forhesleptwithhisarmscrosseduponhim，andsetasresolutelyashislips。Fortifiedtownswiththeirstockades，guard-houses，gates，trenches，anddrawbridges，seemedtothemenderofroads，tobesomuchairasagainstthisfigure。Andwhenheliftedhiseyesfromittothehorizonandlookedaround，hesawinhissmallfancysimilarfigures，stoppedbynoobstacle，tendingtocentresalloverFrance。

Themanslepton，indifferenttoshowersofhailandintervalsofbrightness，tosunshineonhisfaceandshadow，tothepatteringlumpsofdulliceonhisbodyandthediamondsintowhichthesunchangedthem，untilthesunwaslowinthewest，andtheskywasglowing。Then，themenderofroadshavinggothistoolstogetherandallthingsreadytogodownintothevillage，rousedhim。

`Good!\'saidthesleeper，risingonhiselbow。`Twoleaguesbeyondthesummitofthehill?\'

`About。\'

`About。Good!\'

Themenderofroadswenthome，withthedustgoingonbeforehimaccordingtothesetofthewind，andwassoonatthefountain，squeezinghimselfinamongtheleankinebroughttheretodrink，andappearingeventowhispertotheminhiswhisperingtoallthevillage。Whenthevillagehadtakenitspoorsupper，itdidnotcreeptobed，asitusuallydid，butcameoutofdoorsagain，andremainedthere。Acuriouscontagionofwhisperingwasuponit，andalso，whenitgatheredtogetheratthefountaininthedark，anothercuriouscontagionoflookingexpectantlyattheskyinonedirectiononly。MonsieurGabelle，chieffunctionaryoftheplace，becameuneasy；wentoutonhishouse-topalone，andlookedinthatdirectiontoo；glanceddownfrombehindhischimneysatthedarkeningfacesbythefountainbelow，andsentwordtothesacristanwhokeptthekeysofthechurch，thattheremightbeneedtoringthetocsinby-and-by。

Thenightdeepened。Thetreesenvironingtheoldchateau，keepingitssolitarystateapart，movedinarisingwind，asthoughtheythreatenedthepileofbuildingmassiveanddarkinthegloom。Upthetwoterraceflightsofstepstherainranwildly，andbeatatthegreatdoor，likeaswiftmessengerrousingthosewithin；uneasyrushesofwindwentthroughthehall，amongtheoldspearsandknives，andpassedlamentingupthestairs，andshookthecurtainsofthebedwherethelastMarquishadslept。

East，West，North，andSouth，throughthewoods，fourheavy-treading，unkemptfigurescrushedthehighgrassandcrackedthebranches，stridingoncautiouslytocometogetherinthecourtyard。Fourlightsbrokeoutthere，andmovedawayindifferentdirections，andallwasblackagain。

But，notforlong。Presently，thechâ；teaubegantomakeitselfstrangelyvisiblebysomelightofitsown，asthoughitweregrowingluminous。Then，aflickeringstreakplayedbehindthearchitectureofthefront，pickingouttransparentplaces，andshowingwherebalustrades，arches，andwindowswere。Thenitsoaredhigher，andgrewbroaderandbrighter。

Soon，fromascoreofthegreatwindows，flamesburstforth，andthestonefacesawakened，staredoutoffire。

Afaintmurmuraroseaboutthehousefromthefewpeoplewhowereleftthere，andtherewasasaddlingofahorseandridingaway。Therewasspurringandsplashingthroughthedarkness，andbridlewasdrawninthespacebythevillagefountain，andthehorseinafoamstoodatMonsieurGabelle\'sdoor。`Help，Gabelle!Help，everyone!\'Thetocsinrangimpatiently，butotherhelp(ifthatwereany)therewasnone。Themenderofroads，andtwohundredandfiftyparticularfriends，stoodwithfoldedarmsatthefountain，lookingatthepillaroffireinthesky。`Itmustbefortyfeethigh，\'saidthey，grimly；andnevermoved。

Theriderfromthechâ；teau，andthehorseinafoam，clatteredawaythroughthevillage，andgallopedupthestonysteep，totheprisononthecrag。Atthegate，agroupofofficerswerelookingatthefire；

removedfromthem，agroupofsoldiers。`Help，gentlemen-officers!Thechâ；teauisonfire；valuableobjectsmaybesavedfromtheflamesbytimelyaid!Help，help!\'Theofficerslookedtowardsthesoldierswholookedatthefire；gavenoorders；andanswered，withshrugsandbitingoflips，`Itmustburn。\'

Astheriderrattleddownthehillagainandthroughthestreet，thevillagewasilluminating。Themenderofroads，andthetwohundredandfiftyparticularfriends，inspiredasonemanandwomanbytheideaoflightingup，haddartedintotheirhouses，andwereputtingcandlesineverydulllittlepaneofglass。Thegeneralscarcityofeverything，occasionedcandlestobeborrowedinaratherperemptorymannerofMonsieurGabelle；andinamomentofreluctanceandhesitationonthatfunctionary\'spart，themenderofroads，oncesosubmissivetoauthority，hadremarkedthatcarriagesweregoodtomakebonfireswith，andthatpost-horseswouldroast。

Thechâ；teauwaslefttoitselftoflameandburn。Intheroaringandragingoftheconflagration，ared-hotwind，drivingstraightfromtheinfernalregions，seemedtobeblowingtheedificeaway。Withtherisingandfallingoftheblaze，thestonefacesshowedasiftheywereintorment。Whengreatmassesofstoneandtimberfell，thefacewiththetwodintsinthenosebecameobscured:anonstruggledoutofthesmokeagain，asifitwerethefaceofthecruelMarquis，burningatthestakeandcontendingwiththefire。

Thechâ；teauburned；thenearesttrees，laidholdofbythefire，scorchedandshrivelled；treesatadistance，firedbythefourfiercefigures，begirttheblazingedificewithanewforestofsmoke。Moltenleadandironboiledinthemarblebasinofthefountain；thewaterrandry；theextinguishertopsofthetowersvanishedlikeicebeforetheheat，andtrickleddownintofourruggedwellsofflame。Greatrentsandsplitsbranchedoutinthesolidwalls，likecrystallisation；stupefiedbirdswheeledaboutanddroppedintothefurnace；fourfiercefigurestrudgedaway，East，West，North，andSouth，alongthenight-enshroudedroads，guidedbythebeacontheyhadlighted，towardstheirnextdestination。Theilluminatedvillagehadseizedholdofthetocsin，and，abolishingthelawfulringer，rangforjoy。

Notonlythat；butthevillage，light-headedwithfamine，fire，andbell-ringing，andbethinkingitselfthatMonsieurGabellehadtodowiththecollectionofrentandtaxes——thoughitwasbutasmallinstalmentoftaxes，andnorentatall，thatGabellehadgotinthoselatterdays——becameimpatientforaninterviewwithhim，and，surroundinghishouse，summonedhimtocomeforthforpersonalconference。Whereupon，MonsieurGabelledidheavilybarhisdoor，andretiretoholdcounselwithhimselfTheresultofthatconferencewas，thatGabelleagainwithdrewhimselftohishouse-topbehindhisstackofchimneys；thistimeresolved，ifhisdoorwasbrokenin(hewasasmallSouthernmanofretaliativetemperament)，topitchhimselfheadforemostovertheparapet，andcrushamanortwobelow。

Probably，MonsieurGabellepassedalongnightupthere，withthedistantchâ；teauforfireandcandle，andthebeatingathisdoor，combinedwiththejoy-ringing，formusic；nottomentionhishavinganill-omenedlampslungacrosstheroadbeforehisposting-housegate，whichthevillageshowedalivelyinclinationtodisplaceinhisfavour。Atryingsuspense，tobepassingawholesummernightonthebrinkoftheblackocean，readytotakethatplungeintoituponwhichMonsieurGabellehadresolvedBut，thefriendlydawnappearingatlast，andtherush-candlesofthevillagegutteringout，thepeoplehappilydispersed，andMonsieurGabellecamedownbringinghislifewithhimforthatwhile。

Withinahundredmiles，andinthelightofotherfires，therewereotherfunctionarieslessfortunate，thatnightandothernights，whomtherisingsunfoundhangingacrossonce-peacefulstreets，wheretheyhadbeenbornandbred；also，therewereothervillagersandtownspeoplelessfortunatethanthemenderofroadsandhisfellows，uponwhomthefunctionariesandsoldieryturnedwithsuccess，andwhomtheystrungupintheirturn。

But，thefiercefiguresweresteadilywendingEast，West，North，andSouth，bethatasitwould；andwhosoeverhung，fireburned。Thealtitudeofthegallowsthatwouldturntowaterandquenchit，nofunctionary，byanystretchofmathematics，wasabletocalculatesuccessfully。

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIVDraintotheLoadstoneRockInsuchrisingsoffireandrisingsofsea——thefirmearthshakenbytherushesofanangryoceanwhichhadnownoebb，butwasalwaysontheflow，higherandhigher，tothetenorandwonderofthebeholdersontheshore——threeyearsoftempestwereconsumed。ThreemorebirthdaysoflittleLuciehadbeenwovenbythegoldenthreadintothepeacefultissueofthelifeofherhome。

Manyanightandmanyadayhaditsinmateslistenedtotheechoesinthecorner，withheartsthatfailedthemwhentheyheardthethrongingfeet。For，thefootstepshadbecometotheirmindsasthefootstepsofapeople，tumultuousunderaredflagandwiththeircountrydeclaredindanger，changedintowildbeasts，byterribleenchantmentlongpersistedin。

Monseigneur，asaclass，haddissociatedhimselffromthephenomenonofhisnotbeingappreciated:ofhisbeingsolittlewantedinFrance，astoincurconsiderabledangerofreceivinghisdismissalfromit，andthislifetogether。LikethefabledrusticwhoraisedtheDevilwithinfinitepains，andwassoterrifiedatthesightofhimthathecouldasktheEnemynoquestion，butimmediatelyfled；so，Monseigneur，afterboldlyreadingtheLord\'sPrayerbackwardsforagreatnumberofyears，andperformingmanyotherpotentspellsforcompellingtheEvilOne，nosoonerbeheldhiminhisterrorsthanhetooktohisnobleheels。

TheshiningBull\'sEyeoftheCourtwasgone，oritwouldhavebeenthemarkforahurricaneofnationalbullets。Ithadneverbeenagoodeyetoseewith——hadlonghadthemoteinitofLucifer\'spride，Sardanapalus\'sluxury，andamole\'sblindness——butithaddroppedoutandwasgone。TheCourt，fromthatexclusiveinnercircletoitsoutermostrottenringofintrigue，corruption，anddissimulation，wasallgonetogether。Royaltywasgone；hadbeenbesiegedinitsPalaceand`suspended，\'whenthelasttidingscameover。

TheAugustoftheyearonethousandsevenhundredandninety-twowascome，andMonseigneurwasbythistimescatteredfarandwide。

Aswasnatural，thehead-quartersandgreatgathering-placeofMonseigneur，inLondon，wasTellson\'sBank。Spiritsaresupposedtohaunttheplaceswheretheirbodiesmostresorted，andMonseigneurwithoutaguineahauntedthespotwherehisguineasusedtobe。Moreover，itwasthespottowhichsuchFrenchintelligenceaswasmosttobereliedupon，camequickest。Again:Tellson\'swasamunificenthouse，andextendedgreatliberalitytooldcustomerswhohadfallenfromtheirhighestate。Again:

thosenobleswhohadseenthecomingstormintime，andanticipatingplunderorconfiscation，hadmadeprovidentremittancestoTellson\'s，werealwaystobeheardoftherebytheirneedybrethren。TowhichitmustbeaddedthateverynewcomerfromFrancereportedhimselfandhistidingsatTellson\'s，almostasamatterofcourse。Forsuchvarietyofreasons，Tellson\'swasatthattime，astoFrenchintelligence，akindofHighExchange；andthiswassowellknowntothepublic，andtheinquiriesmadetherewereinconsequencesonumerous，thatTellson\'ssometimeswrotethelatestnewsoutinalineorsoandposteditintheBankwindows，forallwhoranthroughTempleBartoread。

Onasteaming，mistyafternoon，Mr。Lorrysatathisdesk，andCharlesDarnaystoodleaningonit，talkingwithhiminalowvoice。ThepenitentialdenoncesetapartforinterviewswiththeHouse，wasnowthenews-Exchange，andwasfilledtooverflowing。Itwaswithinhalfanhourorsoofthetimeofclosing。

`But，althoughyouaretheyoungestmanthateverlived，\'saidCharlesDarnay，ratherhesitating，`Imuststillsuggesttoyou——\'

`Iunderstand。ThatIamtooold?\'saidMr。Lorry。

`Unsettledweather，alongjourney，uncertainmeansoftravelling，adisorganisedcountry，acitythatmaynotbeevensafeforyou。\'

`MydearCharles，\'saidMr。Lorry，withcheerfulconfidence，youtouchsomeofthereasonsformygoing:notformystayingaway。Itissafeenoughforme；nobodywillcaretointerferewithanoldfellowofharduponfour-scorewhentherearesomanypeopletheremuchbetterworthinterferingwith。Astoitsbeingadisorganisedcity，ifitwerenotadisorganisedcitytherewouldbenooccasiontosendsomebodyfromourHouseheretoourHousethere，whoknowsthecityandthebusiness，ofold，andisinTellson\'sconfidence。Astotheuncertaintravelling，thelongjourney，andthewinterweather，ifIwerenotpreparedtosubmitmyselftoafewinconveniencesforthesakeofTellson\'s，afteralltheseyears，whooughttobe?\'

`IwishIweregoingmyself，\'saidCharlesDarnay，somewhatrestlessly，andlikeonethinkingaloud。

`Indeed!Youareaprettyfellowtoobjectandadvise!\'exclaimedMr。Lorry。`Youwishyouweregoingyourself?AndyouaFrenchmanborn?

Youareawisecounsellor。\'

`MydearMr。Lorry，itisbecauseIamaFrenchmanborn，thatthethought(whichIdidnotmeantoutterhere，however)haspassedthroughmymindoften。Onecannothelpthinking，havinghadsomesympathyforthemiserablepeople，andhavingabandonedsomethingtothem，\'hespokehereinhisformerthoughtfulmanner，`thatonemightbelistenedto，andmighthavethepowertopersuadetosomerestraint。Onlylastnight，afteryouhadleftus，whenIwastalkingtoLucie——\'

`WhenyouweretalkingtoLucie，\'Mr。Lorryrepeated。`Yes。I

wonderyouarenotashamedtomentionthenameofLucie!WishingyouweregoingtoFranceatthistimeofday!\'

`However，Iamnotgoing，\'saidCharlesDarnay，withasmile。

`Itismoretothepurposethatyousayyouare。\'

`AndIam，inplainreality。Thetruthis，mydearCharles，\'Mr。

LorryglancedatthedistantHouse，andloweredhisvoice，`youcanhavenoconceptionofthedifficultywithwhichourbusinessistransacted，andoftheperilinwhichourbooksandpapersoveryonderareinvolved。

TheLordaboveknowswhatthecompromisingconsequenceswouldbetonumbersofpeople，ifsomeofourdocumentswereseizedordestroyed；andtheymightbe，atanytime，youknow，forwhocansaythatParisisnotseta-fireto-day，orsackedto-morrow!Now，ajudiciousselectionfromthesewiththeleastpossibledelay，andtheburyingofthem，orotherwisegettingofthemoutofharm\'sway，iswithinthepower(withoutlossofprecioustime)ofscarcelyanyonebutmyself，ifanyone。AndshallIhangback，whenTellson\'sknowsthisandsaysthis——Tellson\'s，whosebreadIhaveeatenthesesixtyyears——becauseIamalittlestiffaboutthejoints?

Why，Iamaboy，sir，tohalfadozenoldcodgershere!\'

`HowIadmirethegallantryofyouryouthfulspirit，Mr。Lorry。\'

`Tut!Nonsense，sir!——And，mydearCharles，\'saidMr。Lorry，glancingattheHouseagain，`youaretoremember，thatgettingthingsoutofParisatthispresenttime，nomatterwhatthings，isnexttoanimpossibility。

Papersandpreciousmatterswerethisverydaybroughttoushere(Ispeakinstrictconfidence；itisnotbusiness-liketowhisperit，eventoyou)，bythestrangestbearersyoucapimagine，everyoneofwhomhadhisheadhangingonbyasinglehairashepassedtheBarriers。Atanothertime，ourparcelswouldcomeandgo，aseasilyasinbusiness-likeOldEngland；

butnow，everythingisstopped。\'

`Anddoyoureallygoto-night?\'

`Ireallygoto-night，forthecasehasbecometoopressingtoadmitofdelay。\'

`Anddoyoutakenoonewithyou?\'

`Allsortsofpeoplehavebeenproposedtome，butIwillhavenothingtosaytoanyofthem。IintendtotakeJerry。Jerryhasbeenmybody-guardonSundaynightsforalongtimepast，andIamusedtohim。

NobodywillsuspectJerryofbeinganythingbutanEnglishbull-dog，orofhavinganydesigninhisheadbuttoflyatanybodywhotoucheshismaster。\'

`ImustsayagainthatIheartilyadmireyourgallantryandyouthfulness。\'

`Imustsayagain，nonsense，nonsense!WhenIhaveexecutedthislittlecommission，Ishall，perhaps，acceptTellson\'sproposaltoretireandliveatmyease。Timeenough，then，tothinkaboutgrowingold。\'

ThisdialoguehadtakenplaceatMr。Lorry\'susualdesk，withMonseigneurswarmingwithinayardortwoofit，boastfulofwhathewoulddotoavengehimselfontherascal-peoplebeforelong。ItwastoomuchthewayofMonseigneurunderhisreversesasarefugee，anditwasmuchtoomuchthewayofnativeBritishorthodoxy，totalkofthisterribleRevolutionasifitweretheoneonlyharvesteverknownundertheskiesthathadnotbeensown——asifnothinghadeverbeendone，oromittedtobedone，thathadledtoit——asifobserversofthewretchedmillionsinFrance，andofthemisusedandpervertedresourcesthatshouldhavemadethemprosperous，hadnotseenitinevitablycoming，yearsbefore，andhadnotinplainwordsrecordedwhattheysaw。Suchvapouring，combinedwiththeextravagantplotsofMonseigneurfortherestorationofastateofthingsthathadutterlyexhausteditself，andwornoutHeavenandearthaswellasitself，washardtobeenduredwithoutsomeremonstrancebyanysanemanwhoknewthetruth。Anditwassuchvapouringallabouthisears，likeatroublesomeconfusionofbloodinhisownhead，addedtoalatentuneasinessinhismind，whichhadalreadymadeCharlesDarnayrestless，andwhichstillkepthimso。

Amongthetalkers，wasStryver，oftheKing\'sBenchBar，faronhiswaytostatepromotion，and，therefore，loudonthetheme:broachingtoMonseigneur，hisdevicesforblowingthepeopleupandexterminatingthemfromthefaceoftheearth，anddoingwithoutthem:andforaccomplishingmanysimilarobjectsakinintheirnaturetotheabolitionofeaglesbysprinklingsaltonthetailsoftherace。Him，Darnayheardwithaparticularfeelingofobjection；andDarnaystooddividedbetweengoingawaythathemighthearnomore，andremainingtointerposehisword，whenthethingthatwastobewentontoshapeitselfout。

TheHouseapproachedMr。Lorry，andlayingasoiledandunopenedletterbeforehim，askedifhehadyetdiscoveredanytracesofthepersontowhomitwasaddressed?TheHouselaidtheletterdownsoclosetoDarnaythathesawthedirection——themorequicklybecauseitwashisownrightname。Theaddress，turnedintoEnglish，ran:

`Verypressing。ToMonsieurheretoforetheMarquisSt。Evré；monde，ofFrance。ConfidedtothecaresofMessrs。TellsonandGo。，Bankers，London，England。\'

Onthemarriagemorning，Dr。ManettehadmadeithisoneurgentandexpressrequesttoCharlesDarnay，thatthesecretofthisnameshouldbe——unlesshe，theDoctor，dissolvedtheobligation——keptinviolatebetweenthem。Nobodyelseknewittobehisname；hisownwifehadnosuspicionofthefact；Mr。Lorrycouldhavenone。

`No，\'saidMr。Lorry，inreplytotheHouse；`Ihavereferredit，Ithink，toeverybodynowhere，andnoonecantellmewherethisgentlemanistobefound。\'

ThehandsoftheclockverginguponthehourofclosingtheBank，therewasageneralsetofthecurrentoftalkerspastMr。Lorry\'sdesk。

Heheldtheletteroutinquiringly；andMonseigneurlookedatit，inthepersonofthisplottingandindignantrefugee；andMonseigneurlookedatit，inthepersonofthatplottingandindignantrefugee；andThis，That，andTheOther，allhadsomethingdisparagingtosay，inFrenchorinEnglish，concerningtheMarquiswhowasnottobefound。

`Nephew，Ibelieve——butinanycasedegeneratesuccessor——ofthepolishedMarquiswhowasmurdered，\'saidone。`Happytosay，Ineverknewhim。\'

`Acravenwhoabandonedhispost，\'saidanother——thisMonseigneurhadbeengotoutofParis，legsuppermostandhalfsuffocated，inaloadofhay——`someyearsago。\'

`Infectedwiththenewdoctrines，\'saidathird，eyeingthedirectionthroughhisglassinpassing；`sethimselfinoppositiontothelastMarquis，abandonedtheestateswhenheinheritedthem，andleftthemtotheruffianherd。Theywillrecompensehimnow，Ihope，ashedeserves。\'

`Hey?\'criedtheblatantStryver。`Didhethough?Isthatthesortoffellow?Letuslookathisinfamousname。D——nthefellow!\'

Darnay，unabletorestrainhimselfanylonger，touchedMr。Stryverontheshoulder，andsaid:

`Iknowthefellow。\'

`Doyou，byJupiter?\'saidStryver。`Iamsorryforit。\'

`Why?\'

`Why，Mr。Darnay?D\'yehearwhathedid?Don\'task，why，inthesetimes。\'

`ButIdoaskwhy。\'

`ThenItellyouagain，Mr。Darnay，Iamsorryforit。Iamsorrytohearyouputtinganysuchextraordinaryquestions。Hereisafellow，who，infectedbythemostpestilentandblasphemouscodeofdevilrythateverwasknown，abandonedhispropertytothevilestscumoftheearththateverdidmurderbywholesale，andyouaskmewhyIamsorrythatamanwhoinstructsyouthknowshim?Well，butI\'llansweryou。IamsorrybecauseIbelievethereiscontaminationinsuchascoundrel。That\'swhy。\'

Mindfulofthesecret，Darnaywithgreatdifficultycheckedhimself，andsaid:`Youmaynotunderstandthegentleman。\'

`Iunderstandhowtoputyouinacorner，Mr。Darnay，\'

saidBullyStryver，`andI\'lldoit。Ifthisfellowisagentleman，Idon\'tunderstandhim。Youmaytellhimso，withmycompliments。Youmayalsotellhim，fromme，thatafterabandoninghisworldlygoodsandpositiontothisbutcherlymob，Iwonderheisnotattheheadofthem。But，no，gentlemen，\'saidStryver，lookingallround，andsnappinghisfingers，`Iknowsomethingofhumannature，andItellyouthatyou\'llneverfindafellowlikethisfellow，trustinghimselftothemerciesofsuchpreciousproté；gé；s。No，gentlemen；he\'llalwaysshow`emacleanpairofheelsveryearlyinthescuffle，andsneakaway。\'

Withthosewords，andafinalsnapofhisfingers，Mr。StryvershoulderedhimselfintoFleet-street，amidstthegeneralapprobationofhishearers。Mr。LorryandCharlesDarnaywereleftaloneatthedesk，inthegeneraldeparturefromtheBank。

`Willyoutakechargeoftheletter?\'saidMr。Lorry。`Youknowwheretodeliverit?\'

`Ido。\'

`Willyouundertaketoexplain，thatwesupposeittohavebeenaddressedhere，onthechanceofourknowingwheretoforwardit，andthatithasbeenheresometime?\'

`Iwilldoso。DoyoustartforParisfromhere?\'

`Fromhere，ateight。\'

`Iwillcomeback，toseeyouoff。\'

Veryillateasewithhimself，andwithStryverandmostothermen，DarnaymadethebestofhiswayintothequietoftheTemple，openedtheletter，andreadit。Thesewereitscontents:

`PrisonoftheAbbaye，Paris。June21，1792。

MONSIEURHERETOFORETHEMARQUIS，`Afterhavinglongbeenindangerofmylifeatthehandsofthevillage，Ihavebeenseized，withgreatviolenceandindignity，andbroughtalongjourneyonfoottoParis。OntheroadIhavesufferedagreatdeal。

Noristhatall；myhousehasbeendestroyed——razedtotheground。

`ThecrimeforwhichIamimprisoned，MonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，andforwhichIshallbesummonedbeforethetribunal，andshalllosemylife(withoutyoursogeneroushelp)，is，theytellme，treasonagainstthemajestyofthepeople，inthatIhaveactedagainstthemforanemigrant。ItisinvainIrepresentthatIhaveactedforthem，andnotagainst，accordingtoyourcommands。ItisinvainIrepresentthat，beforethesequestrationofemigrantproperty，Ihadremittedtheimpoststheyhadceasedtopay；thatIhadcollectednorent；thatIhadhadrecoursetonoprocess。Theonlyresponseis，thatIhaveactedforanemigrant，andwhereisthatemigrant?

`Ah!mostgraciousMonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，whereisthatemigrant?Icryinmysleepwhereishe?IdemandofHeaven，willhenotcometodeliverme?Noanswer。AhMonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，Isendmydesolatecryacrossthesea，hopingitmayperhapsreachyourearsthroughthegreatbankofTilsonknownatParis!

`FortheloveofHeaven，ofjustice，ofgenerosity，ofthehonourofyournoblename，Isupplicateyou，MonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，tosuccourandreleaseme。Myfaultis，thatIhavebeentruetoyou。OhMonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，Iprayyoubeyoutruetome!

`Fromthisprisonhereofhorror，whenceIeveryhourtendnearerandnearertodestruction，Isendyou，MonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，theassuranceofmydolorousandunhappyservice。

`Yourafflicted`GABELLE\'ThelatentuneasinessinDarnay\'smindwasrousedtovigorouslifebythisletter。Theperilofanoldservantandagoodone，whoseonlycrimewasfidelitytohimselfandhisfamily，staredhimsoreproachfullyintheface，that，ashewalkedtoandfrointheTempleconsideringwhattodo，healmosthidhisfacefromthepassers-by。

Heknewverywell，thatinhishorrorofthedeedwhichhadculminatedthebaddeedsandbadreputationoftheoldfamilyhouse，inhisresentfulsuspicionsofhisuncle，andintheaversionwithwhichhisconscienceregardedthecrumblingfabricthathewassupposedtouphold，hehadactedimperfectly。Heknewverywell，thatinhisloveforLucie，hisrenunciationofhissocialplace，thoughbynomeansnewtohisownmind，hadbeenhurriedandincomplete。Heknewthatheoughttohavesystematicallyworkeditoutandsupervisedit，andthathehadmeanttodoit，andthatithadneverbeendone。

ThehappinessofhisownchosenEnglishhome，thenecessityofbeingalwaysactivelyemployed，theswiftchangesandtroublesofthetimewhichhadfollowedononeanothersofast，thattheeventsofthisweekannihilatedtheimmatureplansoflastweek，andtheeventsoftheweekfollowingmadeallnewagain；heknewverywell，thattotheforceofthesecircumstanceshehadyielded:——notwithoutdisquiet，butstillwithoutcontinuousandaccumulatingresistance。Thathehadwatchedthetimesforatimeofaction，andthattheyhadshiftedandstruggleduntilthetimehadgoneby，andthenobilityweretroopingfromFrancebyeveryhighwayandbyway，andtheirpropertywasincourseofconfiscationanddestruction，andtheirverynameswereblottingout，wasaswellknowntohimselfasitcouldbetoanynewauthorityinFrancethatmightimpeachhimforit。

But，hehadoppressednoman，hehadimprisonednoman；hewassofarfromhavingharshlyexactedpaymentofhisdues，thathehadrelinquishedthemofhisownwill，thrownhimselfonaworldwithnofavourinit，wonhisownprivateplacethere，andearnedhisownbread。MonsieurGabellehadheldtheimpoverishedandinvolvedestateonwritteninstructions，tosparethepeople，togivethemwhatlittletherewastogive——suchfuelastheheavycreditorswouldletthemhaveinthewinter，andsuchproduceascouldbesavedfromthesamegripinthesummer——andnodoubthehadputthefactinpleaandproof，forhisownsafety，sothatitcouldnotbutappearnow。

ThisfavouredthedesperateresolutionCharlesDarnayhadbeguntomake，thathewouldgotoParis。

Yes。Likethemarinerintheoldstory，thewindsandstreamshaddrivenhimwithintheinfluenceoftheLoadstoneRock，anditwasdrawinghimtoitself，andhemustgo。Everythingthatarosebeforehisminddriftedhimon，fasterandfaster，moreandmoresteadily，totheterribleattraction。

Hislatentuneasinesshadbeen，thatbadaimswerebeingworkedoutinhisownunhappylandbybadinstruments，andthathewhocouldnotfailtoknowthathewasbetterthanthey，wasnotthere，tryingtodosomethingtostaybloodshed，andasserttheclaimsofmercyandhumanity。Withthisuneasinesshalfstifled，andhalfreproachinghim，hehadbeenbroughttothepointedcomparisonofhimselfwiththebraveoldgentlemaninwhomdutywassostrong；uponthatcomparison(injurioustohimself)hadinstantlyfollowedthesneersofMonseigneur，whichhadstunghimbitterly，andthoseofStryver，whichaboveallwerecoarseandgalling，foroldreasons。Uponthose，hadfollowedGabelle\'sletter:theappealofaninnocentprisoner，indangerofdeath，tohisjustice，honour，andgoodname。

Hisresolutionwasmade。HemustgotoParis。

Yes。TheLoadstoneRockwasdrawinghim，andhemustsailon，untilhestruck。Heknewofnorock；hesawhardlyanydanger。Theintentionwithwhichhehaddonewhathehaddone，evenalthoughhehadleftitincomplete，presenteditbeforehiminanaspectthatwouldbegratefullyacknowledgedinFranceonhispresentinghimselftoassertit。Then，thatgloriousvisionofdoinggood，whichissooftenthesanguinemirageofsomanygoodminds，arosebeforehim，andheevensawhimselfintheillusionwithsomeinfluencetoguidethisragingRevolutionthatwasrunningsofearfullywild。

Ashewalkedtoandfrowithhisresolutionmade，heconsideredthatneitherLucienorherfathermustknowofituntilhewasgone。Lucieshouldbesparedthepainofseparation；andherfather，alwaysreluctanttoturnhisthoughtstowardsthedangerousgroundofold，shouldcometotheknowledgeofthestep，asasteptaken，andnotinthebalanceofsuspenseanddoubt。Howmuchoftheincompletenessofhissituationwasreferabletoherfather，throughthepainfulanxietytoavoidrevivingoldassociationsofFranceinhismind，hedidnotdiscusswithhimself。But，thatcircumstancetoo，hadhaditsinfluenceinhiscourse。

Hewalkedtoandfro，withthoughtsverybusy，untilitwastimetoreturntoTellson\'sandtakeleaveofMr。Lorry。AssoonashearrivedinParishewouldpresenthimselftothisoldfriend，buthemustsaynothingofhisintentionnow。

Acarriagewithpost-horseswasreadyattheBankdoor，andJerrywasbootedandequipped。

`Ihavedeliveredthatletter，\'saidCharlesDarnaytoMr。Lorry。

`Iwouldnotconsenttoyourbeingchargedwithanywrittenanswer，butperhapsyouwilltakeaverbalone?\'

`ThatIwill，andreadily，\'saidMr。Lorry，`ifitisnotdangerous。\'

`Notatall。ThoughitistoaprisonerintheAbbaye。\'

`Whatishisname?\'saidMr。Lorry，withhisopenpocket-bookinhishand。

`Gabelle。\'

`Gabelle。AndwhatisthemessagetotheunfortunateGabelleinprison?\'

`Simply，"thathehasreceivedtheletter，andwillcome。"\'

`Anytimementioned?\'

`Hewillstartuponhisjourneyto-morrownight。\'

`Anypersonmentioned?\'

`No。\'

HehelpedMr。Lorrytowraphimselfinanumberofcoatsandcloaks，andwentoutwithhimfromthewarmatmosphereoftheoldBank，intothemistyairofFleet-street。`MylovetoLucie，andtolittleLucie，\'saidMr。Lorryatparting，`andtakepreciouscareofthemtillIcomeback。\'

CharlesDarnayshookhisheadanddoubtfullysmiled，asthecarriagerolledaway。

Thatnight——itwasthefourteenthofAugust——hesatuplate，andwrotetwoferventletters；onewastoLucie，explainingthestrongobligationhewasundertogotoParis，andshowingher，atlength，thereasonsthathehad，forfeelingconfidentthathecouldbecomeinvolvedinnopersonaldangerthere；theotherwastotheDoctor，confidingLucieandtheirdearchildtohiscare，anddwellingonthesametopicswiththestrongestassurances。

Toboth，hewrotethathewoulddespatchlettersinproofofhissafety，immediatelyafterhisarrival。

Itwasahardday，thatdayofbeingamongthem，withthefirstreservationoftheirjointlivesonhismind。Itwasahardmattertopreservetheinnocentdeceitofwhichtheywereprofoundlyunsuspicious。But，anaffectionateglanceathiswife，sohappyandbusy，madehimresolutenottotellherwhatimpended(hehadbeenhalfmovedtodoit，sostrangeitwastohimtoactinanythingwithoutherquietaid)，andthedaypassedquicklyaway。Earlyintheeveningheembracedher，andherscarcelylessdearnamesake，pretendingthathewouldreturnby-and-by(animaginaryengagementtookhimout，andhehadsecretedavaliseofclothesready)，andsoheemergedintotheheavymistoftheheavystreets，withaheavierheart。

Theunseenforcewasdrawinghimfasttoitself，now，andallthetidesandwindsweresettingstraightandstrongtowardsit。Helefthistwoletterswithatrustyporter，tobedeliveredhalfanhourbeforemidnight，andnosooner；tookhorseforDover；andbeganhisjourney。`FortheloveofHeaven，ofjustice，ofgenerosity，ofthehonourofyournoblename!\'wasthepoorprisoner\'scrywithwhichhestrengthenedhissinkingheart，asheleftallthatwasdearonearthbehindhim，andfloatedawayfortheLoadstoneRock。

THEENDOFTHESECONDBOOK

[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheThird[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]BOOKTHETHIRDTHETRACKOFASTORMCHAPTERIInSecretTHEtravellerfaredslowlyonhisway，whofaredtowardsParisfromEnglandintheautumnoftheyearonethousandsevenhundredandninety-two。Morethanenoughofbadroads，badequipages，andbadhorses，hewouldhaveencounteredtodelayhim，thoughthefallenandunfortunateKingofFrancehadbeenuponhisthroneinallhisglory；but，thechangedtimeswerefraughtwithotherobstaclesthanthese。Everytown-gateandvillagetaxing-househaditsbandofcitizen-patriots，withtheirnationalmusketsinamostexplosivestateofreadiness，whostoppedallcomersandgoers，cross-questionedthem，inspectedtheirpapers，lookedfortheirnamesinlistsoftheirown，turnedthemback，orsentthemon，orstoppedthemandlaidtheminhold，astheircapriciousjudgmentorfancydeemedbestforthedawningRepublicOneandIndivisible，ofLiberty，Equality，Fraternity，orDeath。

AveryfewFrenchleaguesofhisjourneywereaccomplished，whenCharlesDarnaybegantoperceivethatforhimalongthesecountryroadstherewasnohopeofreturnuntilheshouldhavebeendeclaredagoodcitizenatParis。Whatevermightbefallnow，hemustontohisjourney\'send。Notameanvillagecloseduponhim，notacommonbarrierdroppedacrosstheroadbehindhim，butheknewittobeanotherirondoorintheseriesthatwasbarredbetweenhimandEngland。Theuniversalwatchfulnesssoencompassedhim，thatifhehadbeentakeninanet，orwerebeingforwardedtohisdestinationinacage，hecouldnothavefelthisfreedommorecompletelygone。

Thisuniversalwatchfulnessnotonlystoppedhimonthehighwaytwentytimesinastage，hutretardedhisprogresstwentytimesinaday，byridingafterhimandtakinghimback，ridingbeforehimandstoppinghimbyanticipation，ridingwithhimandkeepinghimincharge。HehadbeendaysuponhisjourneyinFrancealone，whenhewenttobedtiredout，inalittletownonthehighroad，stillalongwayfromParis。

NothingbuttheproductionoftheafflictedGabelle\'sletterfromhisprisonoftheAbbayewouldhavegothimonsofar。Hisdifficultyattheguard-houseinthissmallplacehadbeensuch，thathefelthisjourneytohavecometoacrisis。Andhewas，therefore，aslittlesurprisedasamancouldbe，tofindhimselfawakenedatthesmallinntowhichhehadbeenremitteduntilmorning，inthemiddleofthenight。

Awakenedbyatimidlocalfunctionaryandthreearmedpatriotsinroughredcapsandwithpipesintheirmouths，whosatdownonthebed。

`Emigrant，\'saidthefunctionary，`IamgoingtosendyouontoParis，underanescort。\'

`Citizen，IdesirenothingmorethantogettoParis，thoughI

coulddispensewiththeescort。\'

`Silence!\'growledared-cap，strikingatthecoverletwiththebutt-endofhismusket。`Peace，aristocrat!\'

`Itisasthegoodpatriotsays，\'observedthetimidfunctionary。

`Youareanaristocrat，andmusthaveanescort-andmustpayforit。\'

`Ihavenochoice，\'saidCharlesDarnay。

`Choice，Listentohim!\'criedthesamescowlingred-cap。`Asifitwasnotafavourtobeprotectedfromthelamp-iron!\'

`Itisalwaysasthegoodpatriotsays，\'observedthefunctionary。

`Riseanddressyourself，emigrant。\'

Darnaycomplied，andwastakenbacktotheguard-house，whereotherpatriotsinroughredcapsweresmoking，drinking，andsleeping，byawatch-fire。Herehepaidaheavypriceforhisescort，andhencehestartedwithitonthewet，wetroadsatthreeo\'clockinthemorning。

Theescortweretwomountedpatriotsinredcapsandtricolouredcockades，armedwithnationalmusketsandsabres，whorodeoneoneithersideofhim。Theescortedgovernedhisownhorse，butalooselinewasattachedtohisbridle，theendofwhichoneofthepatriotskeptgirdedroundhiswrist。Inthisstatetheysetforthwiththesharpraindrivingintheirfaces:clatteringataheavydragoontrotovertheuneventownpavement，andoutuponthemire-deeproads。Inthisstatetheytraversedwithoutchange，exceptofhorsesandpace，allthemire-deepleaguesthatlaybetweenthemandthecapital。

Theytravelledinthenight，haltinganhourortwoafterdaybreak，andlyingbyuntilthetwilightfell。Theescortweresowretchedlyclothed，thattheytwistedstrawroundtheirbarelegs，andthatchedtheirraggedshoulderstokeepthewetoffApartfromthepersonaldiscomfortofbeingsoattended，andapartfromsuchconsiderationsofpresentdangerasarosefromoneofthepatriotsbeingchronicallydrunk，andcarryinghismusketveryrecklessly，CharlesDarnaydidnotallowtherestraintthatwaslaiduponhimtoawakenanyseriousfearsinhisbreast；for，hereasonedwithhimselfthatitcouldhavenoreferencetothemeritsofanindividualcasethatwasnotyetstated，andofrepresentations，confirmablebytheprisonerintheAbbaye，thatwerenotyetmade。

ButwhentheycantotothetownofBeauvais——whichtheydidateventide，whenthestreetswerefilledwithpeople——hecouldnot`concealfromhimselfthattheaspectofaffairswasveryalarming。Anominouscrowdgatheredtoseehimdismountattheposting-yard，andmanyvoicescalledoutloudly，`Downwiththeemigrant!\'

Hestoppedintheactofswinginghimselfoutofhissaddledand，resumingitashissafestplace，said:

`Emigrant，myfriends!Doyounotseemehere，inFrance，ofmyownwill?\'

`Youareacursedemigrant，\'criedafarrier，makingathimInafuriousmannerthroughthepress，hammerinhand；`andyouareacursedaristocrat!\'

Thepostmasterinterposedhimselfbetweenthismanandtherider\'sbridle(atwhichhewasevidentlymaking)，andsoothinglysaid，`Lethimbe；lethimbe!HewillbejudgedatParis。\'

`Judged!\'repeatedthefarrier，swinginghishammer。`Ay!andcondemnedasatraitor。\'Atthisthecrowdroaredapproval。

Checkingthepostmaster，whowasforturninghishorse\'sheadtotheyard(thedrunkenpatriotsatcomposedlyinhissaddlelookingon，withthelineroundhiswrist)，Darnaysaid，assoonashecouldmakehisvoiceheard:

`Friends，youdeceiveyourselves，oryouaredeceived。Iamnotatraitor。\'

`Helies!\'criedthesmith。`Heisatraitorsincethedecree。

Hislifeisforfeittothepeople。Hiscursedlifeisnothisown!\'

AttheinstantwhenDarnaysawarushintheeyesofthecrowd，whichanotherinstantwouldhavebroughtuponhim，thepostmasterturnedhishorseintotheyard，theescortrodeincloseuponhishorse\'sflanks，andthepostmastershutandbarredthecrazydoublegates。Thefarrierstruckablowuponthemwithhishammer，andthecrowdgroaned；but，nomorewasdone。

`Whatisthisdecreethatthesmithspokeof?\'Darnayaskedthepostmaster，whenhehadthankedhim，andstoodbesidehimintheyard。

`Truly，adecreeforsellingthepropertyofemigrants。\'

`Whenpassed?\'

`Onthefourteenth。\'

`ThedayIleftEngland!\'

`Everybodysaysitisbutoneofseveral，andthattherewillbeothers——iftherearenotalready——banishingallemigrants，andcondemningalltodeathwhoreturn。Thatiswhathemeantwhenhesaidyourlifewasnotyourown。\'

`Buttherearenosuchdecreesyet?\'

`WhatdoIknow!\'saidthepostmaster，shrugginghisshoulders；

`theremaybe，ortherewillbe。Itisallthesame。Whatwouldyouhave?\'

Theyrestedonsomestrawinaloftuntilthemiddleofthenight，andthenrodeforwardagainwhenallthetownwasasleep。Amongthemanywildchangesobservableonfamiliarthingswhichmadethiswildrideunreal，nottheleastwastheseemingrarityofsleep。Afterlongandlonelyspurringoverdrearyroads，theywouldcometoaclusterofpoorcottages，notsteepedindarkness，butallglitteringwithlights，andwouldfindthepeople，inaghostlymannerinthedeadofthenight，circlinghandinhandroundashrivelledtreeofLiberty，oralldrawnuptogethersingingaLibertysong。Happily，however，therewassleepinBeauvaisthatnighttohelpthemoutofit，andtheypassedononcemoreintosolitudeandloneliness:

jinglingthroughtheuntimelycoldandwet，amongimpoverishedfieldsthathadyieldednofruitsoftheearththatyear，diversifiedbytheblackenedremainsofburnthouses，andbythesuddenemergencefromambuscade，andsharpreiningupacrosstheirway，ofpatriotpatrolsonthewatchonalltheroads。

DaylightatlastfoundthembeforethewallofParis。Thebarrierwasclosedandstronglyguardedwhentheyrodeuptoit。

`Wherearethepapersofthisprisoner?\'demandedaresolute-lookingmaninauthority，whowassummonedoutbytheguard。

Naturallystruckbythedisagreeableword，CharlesDarnayrequestedthespeakertotakenoticethathewasafreetravellerandFrenchcitizen，inchargeofanescortwhichthedisturbedstateofthecountryhadimposeduponhim，andwhichhehadpaidfor。

`Where，\'repeatedthesamepersonage，withouttakinganyheedofhimwhatever，`arethepapersofthisprisoner?\'

Thedrunkenpatriothadtheminhiscap，andproducedthem。CastinghiseyesoverGabelle\'sletter，thesamepersonageinauthorityshowedsomedisorderandsurprise，andlookedatDarnaywithacloseattention。

Heleftescortandescortedwithoutsayingaword，however，andwentintotheguard-room；meanwhile，theysatupontheirhorsesoutsidethegate。Lookingabouthimwhileinthisstateofsuspense，CharlesDarnayobservedthatthegatewasheldbyamixedguardofsoldiersandpatriots，thelatterfaroutnumberingtheformer；andthatwhileingressintothecityforpeasantscartsbringinginsupplies，andforsimilartrafficandtraffickers，waseasyenough，egress，evenforthehomeliestpeople，wasverydifficult。Anumerousmedleyofmenandwomen，nottomentionbeastsandvehiclesofvarioussorts，waswaitingtoissueforth；but，thepreviousidentificationwassostrict，thattheyfilteredthroughthebarrierveryslowly。Someofthesepeopleknewtheirturnforexaminationtobesofaroff，thattheylaydownonthegroundtosleeporsmoke，whileotherstalkedtogether，orloiteredabout。Theredcapandtricolourcockadewereuniversal，bothamongmenandwomen。

Whenhehadsatinhissaddlesomehalf-hour，takingnoteofthesethings，Darnayfoundhimselfconfrontedbythesamemaninauthority，whodirectedtheguardtoopenthebarrier。Thenhedeliveredtotheescort，drunkandsober，areceiptfortheescorted，andrequestedhimtodismount。

Hedidso，andthetwopatriots，leadinghistiredhorse，turnedandrodeawaywithoutenteringthecity。

Heaccompaniedhisconductorintoaguard-room，smellingofcommonwineandtobacco，wherecertainsoldiersandpatriots，asleepandawake，drunkandsober，andinvariousneutralstatesbetweensleepingandwaking，drunkennessandsobriety，werestandingandlyingabout。Thelightintheguard-house，halfderivedfromthewaningoil-lampsofthenight，andhalffromtheovercastday，wasinacorrespondinglyuncertaincondition。Someregisterswerelyingopenonadesk，andanofficerofacoarse，darkaspect，presidedoverthese。

`CitizenDefarge，\'saidhetoDarnay\'sconductor，ashetookaslipofpapertowriteon。`IsthistheemigrantEvré；monde?\'

`Thisistheman。\'

`Yourage，Evré；monde?\'

`Thirty-seven。\'

`Married，Evré；monde?\'

`Yes。\'

`Wheremarried?\'

`InEngland。\'

`Withoutdoubt。Whereisyourwife，Evré；monde?\'

`InEngland。\'

`Withoutdoubt。Youareconsigned，Evré；monde，totheprisonofLaForce。\'

`JustHeaven!\'exclaimedDarnay。`Underwhatlaw，andforwhatoffence?\'

Theofficerlookedupfromhisslipofpaperforamoment。

`Wehavenewlaws，Evré；monde，andnewoffences，sinceyouwerehere。\'Hesaiditwithahardsmile，andwentonwriting。

`IentreatyoutoobservethatIhavecomeherevoluntarily，inresponsetothatwrittenappealofafellow-countrymanwhichliesbeforeyou。Idemandnomorethantheopportunitytodosowithoutdelay。Isnotthatmyright?\'

`Emigrantshavenorights，Evré；monde，\'wasthestolidreply。

Theofficerwroteuntilhehadfinished，readovertohimselfwhathehadwritten，sandedit，andhandedittoDefarge，withthewords`Insecret。\'

Defargemotionedwiththepapertotheprisonerthathemustaccompanyhim。Theprisonerobeyed，andaguardoftwoarmedpatriotsattendedthem。

`Isityou，\'saidDefarge，inalowvoice，astheywentdowntheguard-housestepsandturnedintoParis，`whomarriedthedaughterofDoctorManette，onceaprisonerintheBastillethatisnomore?\'

`Yes，\'repliedDarnay，lookingathimwithsurprise。

`MynameisDefarge，andIkeepawine-shopintheQuarterSaintAntoine。Possiblyyouhaveheardofme。\'

`Mywifecametoyourhousetoreclaimherfather?Yes!\'

Theword`wife\'seemedtoserveasagloomyremindertoDefarge，tosaywithsuddenimpatience，`Inthenameofthatsharpfemalenewly-born，andcalledLaGuillotine，whydidyoucometoFrance?\'

`Youheardmesaywhy，aminuteago。Doyounotbelieveitisthetruth?\'

`Abadtruthforyou，\'saidDefarge，speakingwithknittedbrows，andlookingstraightbeforehim。

`IndeedIamlosthere。Allhereissounprecedented，sochanged，sosuddenandunfair，thatIamabsolutelylost。Willyourendermealittlehelp?\'

`None。\'Defargespoke，alwayslookingstraightbeforehim。

`Willyouanswermeasinglequestion?\'

`Perhaps。Accordingtoitsnature。Youcansaywhatitis。\'

`InthisprisonthatIamgoingtosounjustly，shallIhavesomefreecommunicationwiththeworldoutside?\'

`Youwillsee。\'