`Theoccupationresumedundertheinfluenceofthispassingafflictionsohappilyrecoveredfrom，\'saidMr。Lorry，clearinghisthroat，`wewillcall-Blacksmith\'swork，Blacksmith\'swork。Wewillsay，toputacaseandforthesakeofillustration，thathehadbeenused，inhisbadtime，toworkatalittleforge。Wewillsaythathewasunexpectedlyfoundathisforgeagain。Isitnotapitythatheshouldkeepitbyhim?\'
TheDoctorshadedhisforeheadwithhishand，andbeathisfootnervouslyontheground。
`Hehasalwayskeptitbyhim，\'saidMr。Lorry，withananxiouslookathisfriend。`Now，woulditnotbebetterthatheshouldletitgo?\'
Still，theDoctor，withshadedforehead，beathisfootnervouslyontheground。
`Youdonotfinditeasytoadviseme?\'saidMr。Lorry。
`Iquiteunderstandittobeanicequestion。AndyetIthink——\'Andthereheshookhishead，andstopped。
`Yousee，\'saidDoctorManette，turningtohimafteranuneasypause，`itisveryhardtoexplain，consistently，theinnermostworkingsofthispoorman\'smind。Heonceyearnedsofrightfullyforthatoccupation，anditwassowelcomewhenitcame；nodoubtitrelievedhispainsomuch，bysubstitutingtheperplexityofthefingersfortheperplexityofthebrain，andbysubstituting，ashebecamemorepractised，theingenuityofthehands，fortheingenuityofthementaltorture；thathehasneverbeenabletobearthethoughtofputtingitquiteoutofhisreach。Evennow，whenIbelieveheismorehopefulofhimselfthanhehaseverbeen，andevenspeaksofhimselfwithakindofconfidence，theideathathemightneedthatoldemployment，andnotfindit，giveshimasuddensenseofterror，likethatwhichonemayfancystrikestotheheartofalostchild。\'
Helookedlikehisillustration，asheraisedhiseyestoMr。
Lob\'sface。`Butmaynot——mind!Iaskforinformation，asaploddingmanofbusinesswhoonlydealswithsuchmaterialobjectsasguineas，shillings，andbank-notes——maynottheretentionofthethinginvolvetheretentionoftheidea?Ifthethingweregone，mydearManette，mightnotthefeargowithit?Inshort，isitnotaconcessiontothemisgiving，tokeeptheforge?\'
Therewasanothersilence。
`Yousee，too，\'saidtheDoctor，tremulously，`itissuchanoldcompanion。\'
`Iwouldnotkeepit，\'saidMr。Lorry，shakinghishead；forhegainedinfirmnessashesawtheDoctordisquieted。`Iwouldrecommendhimtosacrificeit。Ionlywantyourauthority。Iamsureitdoesnogood。
Come!Givemeyourauthority，likeadeargoodman。Forhisdaughter\'ssake，mydearManette!\'
Verystrangetoseewhatastruggletherewaswithinhim!`Inhername，then，letitbedone；Isanctionit。But，Iwouldnottakeitawaywhilehewaspresent。Letitberemovedwhenheisnotthere；lethimmisshisoldcompanionafteranabsence。\'
Mr。Lorryreadilyengagedforthat，andtheconferencewasended。
Theypassedthedayinthecountry，andtheDoctorwasquiterestored。
Onthethreefollowingdaysheremainedperfectlywell，andonthefourteenthdayhewentawaytojoinLucieandherhusband。Theprecautionthathadbeentakentoaccountforhissilence，Mr。Lorryhadpreviouslyexplainedtohim，andhehadwrittentoLucieinaccordancewithit，andshehadnosuspicions。
Onthenightofthedayonwhichheleftthehouse，Mr。Lorrywentintohisroomwithachopper，saw，chisel，andhammer，attendedbyMissProsscarryingalight。There，withcloseddoors，andinamysteriousandguiltymanner，Mr。Lorryhackedtheshoemaker\'sbenchtopieces，whileMissProssheldthecandleasifshewereassistingatamurder——orwhich，indeed，inhergrimness，shewasnounsuitablefigure。Theburningofthebodypreviouslyreducedtopiecesconvenientforthepurposewascommencedwithoutdelayinthekitchenfire；andthetools，shoes，andleather，wereburiedinthegarden。Sowickeddodestructionandsecrecyappeartohonestminds，thatMr。LorryandMissPross，whileenragedinthecommissionoftheirdeedandintheremovalofitstraces，almostfelt，andalmostlooked，likeaccomplicesinahorriblecrime。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXAPleaWHENthenewly-marriedpaircamehome，thefirstpersonwhoappeared，toofferhiscongratulations，wasSydneyCarton。Theyhadnotbeenathomemanyhours，whenhepresentedhimself。Hewasnotimprovedinhabits，orinlooks，orinmanner；buttherewasacertainruggedairoffidelityabouthim，whichwasnewtotheobservationofCharlesDarnay。
HewatchedhisopportunityoftakingDarnayasideintoawindow，andofspeakingtohimwhennooneoverheard。
`Mr。Darnay，\'saidCarton，`Iwishwemightbefriends。\'
`Wearealreadyfriends，Ihope。\'
`Youaregoodenoughtosayso，asafashionofspeech；hut，I
don\'tmeananyfashionofspeech。Indeed，whenIsayIwishwemightbefriends，Iscarcelymeanquitethat，either。\'
CharlesDarnay——Aswasnatural——Askedhim，inallgood-humourandgood-fellowship，whathedidmean?
`Uponmylife，\'saidCarton，smiling，`Ifindthateasiertocomprehendinmyownmind，thantoconveytoyours。However，letmetry。YourememberacertainfamousoccasionwhenIwasmoredrunkthan——thanusual?\'
`Irememberacertainfamousoccasionwhenyouforcedmetoconfessthatyouhadbeendrinking。\'
`Irememberittoo。Thecurseofthoseoccasionsisheavyuponme，forIalwaysrememberthem。Ihopeitmaybetakenintoaccountoneday，whenalldaysareatanendforme!Don\'tbealarmed；Iamnotgoingtopreach。\'
`Iamnotatallalarmed。Earnestnessinyouisanythingbutalarmingtome。\'
`Ah!\'saidCarton，withacarelesswaveofhishand，asifhewavedthataway。`Onthedrunkenoccasioninquestiononeofalargenumber，asyouknow，Iwasinsufferableaboutlikingyou，andnotlikingyou。
Iwishyouwouldforgetit。\'
`Iforgotitlongago。\'
`Fashionofspeechagain!But，Mr。Darnay，oblivionisnotsoeasytome，asyourepresentittobetoyou。Ihavebynomeansforgottenit，andalightanswerdoesnothelpmetoforgetit。\'
`Ifitwasalightanswer，\'returnedDarnay，`Ibegyourforgivenessforit。Ihadnootherobjectthantoturnaslightthing，which，tomysurprise，seemstotroubleyoutoomuch，aside。Ideclaretoyouonthefaithofagentleman，thatIhavelongdismisseditfrommymind。GoodHeaven，whatwastheretodismiss!HaveIhadnothingmoreimportanttoremember，inthegreatserviceyourenderedmethatday?\'
`Astothegreatservice，\'saidCarton，`Iamboundtoavowtoyou，whenyouspeakofitinthatway，thatitwasmereprofessionalclaptrap。
Idon\'tknowthatIcaredwhatbecameofyou，whenIrenderedIt——Mind!
IsaywhenIrenderedit；Iamspeakingofthepast。\'
`Youmakelightoftheobligation，\'returnedDarnay，`butIwillnotquarrelwithyourlightanswer。\'
`Genuinetruth，Mr。Darnay，trustme!Ihavegoneasidefrommypurpose；Iwasspeakingaboutourbeingfriends。Now，youknowme；youknowIamincapableofallthehigherandbetterflightsofmen。Ifyoudoubtit，askStryver，andhe\'lltellyouso。\'
`Iprefertoformmyownopinion，withouttheaidofhis。\'
`Well!Atanyrateyouknowmeasadissolutedogwhohasneverdoneanygood，andneverwill。\'
`Idon\'tknowthatyou\"neverwill。\"\'
`ButIdo，andyoumusttakemywordforit。Well!Ifyoucouldenduretohavesuchaworthlessfellow，andafellowofsuchindifferentreputation，comingandgoingatoddtimes，IshouldaskthatImightbepermittedtocomeandgoasaprivilegedpersonhere；thatImightberegardedasanuselessandIwouldadd，ifitwerenotfortheresemblanceIdetectedbetweenyouandme，anunornamental，pieceoffurniture，toleratedforitsoldservice，andtakennonoticeof。IdoubtifIshouldabusethepermission。ItisahundredtooneifIshouldavailmyselfofitfourtimesinayear。Itwouldsatisfyme，Idaresay，toknowthatIhadit。\'
`Willyoutry?\'
`ThatisanotherwayofsayingthatIamplacedonthefootingIhaveindicated。Ithankyou，Darnay。Imayusethatfreedomwithyourname?\'
`Ithinkso，Carton，bythistime。\'
Theyshookhandsuponit，andSydneyturnedaway。Withinaminuteafterwards，hewas，toalloutwardappearance，asunsubstantialasever。
Whenhehasgone，andinthecourseofaneveningpassedwithMissPross，theDoctor，andMr。Lorry，CharlesDarnaymadesomementionofthisconversationingeneralterms，andspokeofSydneyCartonasaproblemofcarelessnessandrecklessness。Hespokeofhim，inshort，notbitterlyormeaningtobearharduponhim，butasanybodymightwhosawhimasheshowedhimself。
Hehadnoideathatthiscoulddwellinthethoughtsofhisfairyoungwife；but，whenheafterwardsjoinedherintheirownrooms，hefoundherwaitingforhimwiththeoldprettyliftingoftheforeheadstronglymarked。
`Wearethoughtfulto-night!\'saidDarnay，drawinghisarmabouther。
`Yes，dearestCharles，\'withherhandsonhisbreast，andtheinquiringandattentiveexpressionfixeduponhim；`weareratherthoughtfulto-night，forwehavesomethingonourmindto-night。\'
`Whatisit，myLucie?\'
`Willyoupromisenottopressonequestiononme，ifIbegyounottoaskit?\'
\"WillIpromise?WhatwillInotpromisetomyLove?\'
What，indeed，withhishandputtingasidethegoldenhairfromthecheek，andhisotherhandagainsttheheartthatbeatforhim!
`Ithink，Charles，poorMr。Cartondeservesmoreconsiderationandrespectthanyouexpressedforhimto-night。\'
`Indeed，myown?Whyso?\'
`Thatiswhatyouarenottoaskme?ButIthink——Iknow——hedoes。\'
`Ifyouknowit，itisenough。Whatwouldyouhavemedo，myLife?\'
`Iwouldaskyou，dearest，tobeverygenerouswithhimalways，andverylenientonhisfaultswhenheisnotby。Iwouldaskyoutobelievethathehasahearthevery，veryseldomreveals，andthattherearedeepwoundsinit。Mydear，Ihaveseenitbleeding。\'
`Itisapainfulreflectiontome，saidCharlesDarnay，quiteastounded，`thatIshouldhavedonehimanywrong。Ineverthoughtthisofhim。\'
`Myhusband，itisso。Ifearheisnottobereclaimed；thereisscarcelyahopethatanythinginhischaracterorfortunesisreparablenow。But，Iamsurethatheiscapableofgoodthings，gentlethings，evenmagnanimousthings。\'
Shelookedsobeautifulinthepurityofherfaithinthislostman，thatherhusbandcouldhavelookedatherasshewasforhours。
`And，OmydearestLove!\'sheurged，clingingnearertohim，layingherheaduponhisbreast，andraisinghereyestohis，`rememberhowstrongweareinourhappiness，andhowweakheisinhismisery!\'
Thesupplicationtouchedhimhome。`Iwillalwaysrememberit，dearHeart!IwillrememberitaslongasIlive。\'
Hebentoverthegoldenhead，andputtherosylipstohis，andfoldedherinhisarms。Ifoneforlornwandererthenpacingthedarkstreets，couldhaveheardherinnocentdisclosure，andcouldhaveseenthedropsofpitykissedawaybyherhusbandfromthesoftblueeyessolovingofthathusband，hemighthavecriedtothenight——andthewordswouldnothavepartedfromhislipsforthefirsttime——
`Godblessherforhersweetcompassion!\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIEchoingFootstepsAWONDERFULcornerforechoes，ithasbeenremarked，thatcornerwheretheDoctorlived。Everbusilywindingthegoldenthreadwhichboundherhusband，andherfather，andherself，andherolddirectressandcompanion，inalifeofquietbliss，Luciesatinthestillhouseinthetranquillyresoundingcorner，listeningtotheechoingfootstepsofyears。
Atfirst，thereweretimes，thoughshewasaperfectlyhappyyoungwife，whenherworkwouldslowlyfallfromherhands，andhereyeswouldbedimmed。For，therewassomethingcomingintheechoes，somethinglight，afaroff，andscarcelyaudibleyet，thatstirredherhearttoomuch。Flutteringhopesanddoubts——hope，ofaloveasyetunknowntoher:doubts，ofherremaininguponearth，toenjoythatnewdelight——dividedherbreast。Amongtheechoesthen，therewouldarisethesoundoffootstepsatherownearlygrave；andthoughtsofthehusbandwhowouldbeleftsodesolate，andwhowouldmournforhersomuch，swelledtohereyes，andbrokelikewaves。
Thattimepassed，andherlittleLucielayonherbosom。Then，amongtheadvancingechoes，therewasthetreadofhertinyfeetandthesoundofherprattlingwords。Letgreaterechoesresoundastheywould，theyoungmotheratthecradlesidecouldalwayshearthosecoming。Theycame，andtheshadyhousewassunnywithachild\'slaugh，andtheDivinefriendofchildren，towhominhertroubleshehadconfidedhers，seemedtotakeherchildinHisarms，asHetookthechildofold，andmadeitasacredjoytoher。
Everbusilywindingthegoldenthreadthatboundthemalltogether，weavingtheserviceofherhappyinfluencethroughthetissueofalltheirlives，andmakingitpredominatenowhere，Lucieheardintheechoesofyearsnonebutfriendlyandsoothingsounds。Herhusband\'sstepwasstrongandprosperousamongthem；herfather\'sfirmandequal。Lo，MissPross，inharnessofstring，awakeningtheechoes，asanunrulycharger，whip-corrected，snortingandpawingtheearthundertheplane-treeinthegarden!
Evenwhenthereweresoundsofsorrowamongtherest，theywerenotharshnorcruel。Evenwhengoldenhair，likeherown，layinahaloonapillowroundthewornfaceofalittleboy，andhesaid，witharadiantsmile，`Dearpapaandmamma，Iamverysorrytoleaveyouboth，andtoleavemyprettysister；butIamcalled，andImustgo!\'thosewerenottearsallofagonythatwettedhisyoungmother\'scheek，asthespiritdepartedfromherembracethathadbeenentrustedtoit。Sufferthemandforbidthemnot。TheyseemyFather\'sface。OFather，blessedwords!
Thus，therustlingofanAngel\'swingsgotblendedwiththeotherechoes，andtheywerenotwhollyofearth，buthadinthemthatbreathofHeaven。Sighsofthewindsthatblewoveralittlegarden-tombweremingledwiththemalso，andbothwereaudibletoLucie，inahushedmurmur——likethebreathingofasummerseaasleepuponasandyshore——asthelittleLucie，comicallystudiousatthetaskofthemorning，ordressingadollathermother\'sfootstool，chatteredinthetonguesoftheTwoCitiesthatwereblendedinherlife。
TheechoesrarelyansweredtotheactualtreadofSydneyCarton。
Somehalf-dozentimesayear，atmost，heclaimedhisprivilegeofcominginuninvited，andwouldsitamongthemthroughtheevening，ashehadoncedoneoften。Henevercamethereheatedwithwine。Andoneotherthingregardinghimwaswhisperedintheechoes，whichhasbeenwhisperedbyalltrueechoesforagesandages。
Nomaneverreallylovedawoman，losther，andknewherwithablamelessthoughanunchangedmind，whenshewasawifeandamother，butherchildrenhadastrangesympathywithhim——aninstinctivedelicacyofpityforhim。Whatfinehiddensensibilitiesaretouchedinsuchacase，noechoestell；butitisso，anditwassohere。CartonwasthefirststrangertowhomlittleLucieheldoutherchubbyarms，andhekepthisplacewithherasshegrew。Thelittleboyhadspokenofhim，almostatthelast。`PoorCarton!Kisshimforme!\'
Mr。Stryvershoulderedhiswaythroughthelaw，likesomegreatengineforcingitselfthroughturbidwater，anddraggedhisusefulfriendinhiswake，likeaboattowedastern。Astheboatsofavouredisusuallyinaroughplight，andmostlyunderwater，so，Sydneyhadaswampedlifeofit。But，easyandstrongcustom，unhappilysomucheasierandstrongerinhimthananystimulatingsenseofdesertordisgrace，madeitthelifehewastolead；andhenomorethoughtofemergingfromhisstateoflion\'sjackal，thananyrealjackalmaybesupposedtothinkofrisingtobealion。Stryverwasrich；hadmarriedafloridwidowwithpropertyandthreeboys，whohadnothingparticularlyshiningaboutthembutthestraighthairoftheirdumplingheads。
Thesethreeyounggentleman，Mr。Stryver，exudingpatronageofthemostoffensivequalityfromeverypore，hadwalkedbeforehimlikethreesheeptothequietcornerinSoho，andhadofferedaspupilstoLucie\'shusband:delicatelysaying，`Halloa!herearethreelumpsofbread-and-cheesetowardsyourmatrimonialpicnic，Darnay!\'Thepoliterejectionofthethreelumpsofbread-and-cheesehadquitebloatedMr。Stryverwithindignation，whichheafterwardsturnedtoaccountinthetrainingoftheyounggentlemen，bydirectingthemtobewareoftheprideofBeggars，likethattutor-fellow。
HewasalsointhehabitofdeclaimingtoMrs。Stryver，overhisfull-bodiedwine，ontheartsMrs。Darnayhadonceputinpracticeto`catch\'him，andonthediamond-cut-diamondartsinhimself，madam，whichhadrenderedhim`nottobecaught。\'SomeofhisKing\'sBenchfamiliars，whowereoccasionallypartiestothefull-bodiedwineandthelie，excusedhimforthelatterbysayingthathehadtolditsooften，thathebelievedithimself——whichissurelysuchanincorrigibleaggravationofanoriginallybadoffence，astojustifyanysuchoffender\'sbeingcarriedofftosomesuitablyretiredspot，andtherehangedoutoftheway。
ThesewereamongtheechoestowhichLucie，sometimespensive，sometimesamusedandlaughing，listenedintheechoingcorner，untilherlittledaughterwassixyearsold。Howneartoherhearttheechoesofherchild\'streadcame，andthoseofherowndearfather\'s，alwaysactiveandself-possessed，andthoseofherdearhusband\'s，neednotbetold。
Nor，howthelightestechooftheirunitedhome，directedbyherselfwithsuchawiseandelegantthriftthatitwasmoreabundantthananywaste，wasmusictoher。Nor，howtherewereechoesallabouther，sweetinherears，ofthemanytimesherfatherhadtoldherthathefoundhermoredevotedtohimmarriedifthatcouldbethansingle，andofthemanytimesherhusbandhadsaidtoherthatnocaresanddutiesseemedtodivideherloveforhimorherhelptohim，andaskedher`Whatisthemagicsecret，mydarling，ofyourbeingeverythingtoallofus，asiftherewereonlyoneofus，yetneverseemingtobehurried，ortohavetoomuchtodo?\'
But，therewereotherechoes，fromadistance，thatrumbledmenacinglyinthecornerallthroughthisspaceoftime。Anditwasnow，aboutlittleLucie\'ssixthbirthday，thattheybegantohaveanawfulsound，asofagreatstorminFrancewithadreadfulsearising。
Onanightinmid-July，onethousandsevenhundredandeighty-nine，Mr。Lorrycameinlate，fromTellson\'s，andsathimselfdownbyLucieandherhusbandinthedarkwindow。Itwasahot，wildnight，andtheywereallthreeremindedoftheoldSundaynightwhentheyhadlookedatthelightningfromthesameplace。
`Ibegantothink，\'saidMr。Lorry，pushinghisbrownwigback，`thatIshouldhavetopassthenightatTellson\'s。Wehavebeensofullofbusinessallday，thatwehavenotknownwhattodofirst，orwhichwaytoturn。ThereissuchanuneasinessinParis，thatwehaveactuallyarunofconfidenceuponus!Ourcustomersoverthere，seemnottobeabletoconfidetheirpropertytousfastenough。ThereispositivelyamaniaamongsomeofthemforsendingittoEngland。\'
`Thathasabadlook，\'saidDarnay。
`Abadlook，yousay，mydearDarnay?Yes，butwedon\'tknowwhatreasonthereisinit。Peoplearesounreasonable!SomeofusatTellson\'saregettingold，andwereallycan\'tbetroubledoutoftheordinarycoursewithoutdueoccasion。\'
`Still，\'saidDarnay，`youknowhowgloomyandthreateningtheskyis。\'
`Iknowthat，tobesure，\'assentedMr。Lorry，tryingtopersuadehimselfthathissweettemperwassoured，andthathegrumbled，`butI
amdeterminedtobepeevishaftermylongday\'sbotheration。WhereisManette?\'
`Hereheis，\'saidtheDoctor，enteringthedarkroomatthemoment。
`Iamquitegladyouareathome；forthesehurriesandforebodingsbywhichIhavebeensurroundedalldaylong，havemademenervouswithoutreason。Youarenotgoingout，Ihope?\'
`No；Iamgoingtoplaybackgammonwithyou，ifyoulike，\'saidtheDoctor。
`Idon\'tthinkIdolike，ifImayspeakmymind。Iamnotfittobepittedagainstyouto-night。Isthetea-boardstillthere，Lucie?
Ican\'tsee。\'
`Ofcourse，ithasbeenkeptforyou。\'
`Thankye，mydear。Thepreciouschildissafeinbed?\'
`Andsleepingsoundly。
`That\'sright；allsafeandwell!Idon\'tknowwhyanythingshouldbeotherwisethansafeandwellhere，thankGod；butIhavebeensoputoutallday，andIamnotasyoungasIwas!Mytea，mydear!Thankye。
Now，comeandtakeyourplaceinthecircle，andletussitquiet，andheartheechoesaboutwhichyouhaveyourtheory。\'
`Notatheory；itwasafancy。\'
`Afancy，then，mywisepet，\'saidMr。Lorry，pattingherhand。
`Theyareverynumerousandveryloud，though，aretheynot?Onlyhearthem!\'
Headlong，mad，anddangerousfootstepstoforcetheirwayintoanybody\'slife，footstepsnoteasilymadecleanagainifoncestainedred，thefootstepsraginginSaintAntoineafaroff，asthelittlecirclesatinthedarkLondonwindow。
SaintAntoinehadbeen，thatmorning，avastduskymassofscarecrowsheavingtoandfro，withfrequentgleamsoflightabovethebillowyheads，wheresteelbladesandbayonetsshoneinthesun。AtremendousroararosefromthethroatofSaintAntoine，andaforestofnakedarmsstruggledintheairlikeshrivelledbranchesoftreesinawinterwind:allthefingersconvulsivelyclutchingateveryweaponorsemblanceofaweaponthatwasthrownupfromthedepthsbelow，nomatterhowfaroff。
Whogavethemout，whencetheylastcame，wheretheybegan，throughwhatagencytheycrookedlyquiveredandjerked，scoresatatime，overtheheadsofthecrowd，likeakindoflightning，noeyeinthethrongcouldhavetold；but，musketswerebeingdistributed——sowerecartridges，powder，andball，barsofironandwood，knives，axes，pikes，everyweaponthatdistractedingenuitycoulddiscoverordevise。Peoplewhocouldlayholdofnothingelse，setthemselveswithbleedinghandstoforcestonesandbricksoutoftheirplacesinwalls。EverypulseandheartinSaintAntoinewasonhigh-feverstrainandathigh-feverheat。Everylivingcreaturethereheldlifeasofnoaccount，andwasdementedwithapassionatereadinesstosacrificeit。
Asawhirlpoolofboilingwatershasacentrepoint，so，allthisragingcircledroundDefarge\'swine-shop，andeveryhumandropinthecaldronhadatendencytobesuckedtowardsthevortexwhereDefargehimself，alreadybegrimedwithgunpowderandsweat，issuedorders，issuedarms，thrustthismanback，draggedthismanforward，disarmedonetoarmanother，labouredandstroveinthethickestoftheuproar。
`Keepneartome，JacquesThree，\'criedDefarge；`anddoyou，JacquesOneandTwo，separateandputyourselvesattheheadofasmanyofthesepatriotsasyoucan。Whereismywife?\'
`Eh，well!Hereyouseeme!\'saidmadame，composedasever，butnotknittingto-day。Madame\'sresoluterighthandwasoccupiedwithanaxe，inplaceoftheusualsofterimplements，andinhergirdlewereapistolandacruelknife。
`Wheredoyougo，mywife?\'
`Igo，\'saidmadame，`withyouatpresent。Youshallseemeattheheadofwomen，by-and-by。\'
`Come，then!\'criedDefarge，inaresoundingvoice。`Patriotsandfriends，weareready!TheBastille!\'
WitharoarthatsoundedasifallthebreathinFrancehadbeenshapedintothedetestedword，thelivingsearose，waveonwave，depthondepth，andoverflowedthecitytothatpoint。Alarm-bellsringing，drumsbeating，thesearagingandthunderingonitsnewbeach，theattack`begun。
Deepditches，doubledrawbridge，massivestonewalls，eightgreattowers，cannon，muskets，fireandsmoke。Throughthefireandthroughthesmoke——inthefireandinthesmoke，fortheseacasthimupagainstacannon，andontheinstanthebecameacannonier——Defargeofthewine-shopworkedlikeamanfulsoldier，Twofiercehours。
Deepditch，singledrawbridge，massivestonewalls，eightattowers，cannon，muskets，fireandsmoke。Onedrawbridgedown!`Work，comradesall，work!Work，Jacques，JacquesTwo，JacquesOneThousand，JacquesTwoThousand，JacquesFive-and-TwentyThousand；inthenameofalltheAngelsortheDevils——whichyouprefer——work!\'ThusDefargeofthewine-shop，stillathisgun，whichhadlonggrownhot。
`Tome，women!\'criedmadamehiswife。`What!Wecankillaswellasthemenwhentheplaceistaken!\'Andtoher，withashrillthirstycry，troopingwomenvariouslyarmed，butallarmedalikeinhungerandrevenge。
Cannon，muskets，fireandsmoke；but，stillthedeepditch，thesingledrawbridge，themassivestonewalls，andtheeightgreattowers。
Slightdisplacementsoftheragingsea，madebythefallingwounded。Flashingweapons，blazingtorches，smokingwaggon-loadsofwetstraw，hardworkatneighbouringbarricadesinalldirections，shrieks，volleys，execrations，braverywithoutstint，boom，smashandrattle，andthefurioussoundingofthelivingsea；but，stillthedeepditch，andthesingledrawbridge，andthemassivestonewalls，andtheeightgreattowers，andstillDefargeofthewine-shopathisgun，growndoublyhotbytheserviceofFourfiercehours。
Awhiteflagfromwithinthefortress，andaparley——thisdimlyperceptiblethroughtheragingstorm，nothingaudibleinit——suddenlythesearoseimmeasurablywiderandhigher，andsweptDefargeofthewine-shopoverthelowereddraw-bridge，pastthemassivestoneouterwalls，inamongtheeightgreattowerssurrendered!
Soresistlesswastheforceoftheoceanbearinghimon，thateventodrawhisbreathorturnhisheadwasasimpracticableasifhehadbeenstrugglinginthesurfattheSouthSea，untilhewaslandedintheoutercourt-yardoftheBastille。There，againstanangleofawall，hemadeastruggletolookabouthim。JacquesThreewasnearlyathisside；
MadameDefarge，still-headingsomeofherwomen，wasvisibleintheinnerdistance，andherknifewasinherhand。Everywherewastumult，exultation，deafeningandmaniacalbewilderment，astoundingnoise，yetfuriousdumb-show。
`ThePrisoners!\'
`TheRecords!\'
`Thesecretcells!\'
`Theinstrumentsoftorture!\'
`ThePrisoners!\'
Ofallthesecries，andtenthousandincoherencies，`ThePrisoners!\'
wastheCrymosttakenupbytheseathatrushedin，asiftherewereaneternityofpeople，aswellasoftimeandspace。Whentheforemostbillowsrolledpast，bearingtheprisonofficerswiththem，andthreateningthemallwithinstantdeathifanysecretnookremainedundisclosed，Defargelaidhisstronghandonthebreastofoneofthesemen——amanwithagreyhead，whohadalightedtorchinhishand——separatedhimfromtherest，andgothimbetweenhimselfandthewall。
`ShowmetheNorthTower!\'saidDefarge。`Quick!\'
`Iwillfaithfully，\'repliedtheman，`ifyouwillcomewithme。
Butthereisnoonethere。\'
`WhatisthemeaningofOneHundredandFive，NorthTower?\'askedDefarge。`Quick!\'
`Themeaning，monsieur?\'
`Doesitmeanacaptive，oraplaceofcaptivity?OrdoyoumeanthatIshallstrikeyoudead?\'
`Killhim!\'croakedJacquesThree，whohadcomecloseup。
`Monsieur，itisacell。\'
`Showitme!\'
`Passthisway，then。\'
JacquesThree，withhisusualcravingonhim，andevidentlydisappointedbythedialoguetakingaturnthatdidnotseemtopromisebloodshed，heldbyDefarge\'sarmasheheldbytheturnkey\'s。Theirthreeheadshadbeenclosetogetherduringthisbriefdiscourse，andithadbeenasmuchastheycoulddotohearoneanother，eventhen:sotremendouswasthenoiseofthelivingocean，initsirruptionintotheFortress，anditsinundationofthecourtsandpassagesandstaircases。Allaroundoutside，too，itbeatthewallswithadeep，hoarseroar，fromwhich，occasionally，somepartialshoutsoftumultbrokeandleapedintotheairlikespray。
Throughgloomyvaultswherethelightofdayhadnevershone，pasthideousdoorsofdarkdensandcages，downcavernousflightsofsteps，andagainupsteepruggedascentsofstoneandbrick，morelikedrywaterfallsthanstaircases，Defarge，theturnkey，andJacquesThree，linkedhandandarm，wentwithallthespeedtheycouldmake。Hereandthere，especiallyatfirst，theinundationstartedonthemandsweptby；butwhentheyhaddonedescending，andwerewindingandclimbingupatower，theywerealone。
Hemmedinherebythemassivethicknessofwallsandarches，thestormwithinthefortressandwithoutwasonlyaudibletotheminadull，subduedway，asifthenoiseoutofwhichtheyhadcomehadalmostdestroyedtheirsenseofhearing。
Theturnkeystoppedatalowdoor，putakeyinaclashinglock，swungthedoorslowlyopen，andsaid，astheyallbenttheirheadsandpassedin:
`Onehundredandfive，NorthTower!\'
Therewasasmall，heavily-grated，unglazedwindowhighinthewall，withastonescreenbeforeit，sothattheskycouldbeonlyseenbystoopinglowandlookingup。Therewasasmallchimney，heavilybarredacross，afewfeetwithin。Therewasaheapofoldfeatherywood-ashesonthehearth。Therewasastool，andtable，andastrawbed。Therewerethefourblackenedwalls，andarustedironringinoneofthem。
`Passthattorchslowlyalongthesewalls，thatImayseethem，\'
saidDefargetotheturnkey。
Themanobeyed，andDefargefollowedthelightcloselywithhiseyes。
`Stop——Lookhere，Jacques!\'
`A。M。!\'croakedJacquesThree，ashereadgreedily。
`AlexandreManette，\'saidDefargeinhisear，followingtheletterswithhisswartforefinger，deeplyengrainedwithgunpowder。`Andherehewrote``apoorphysician。\'\'Anditwashe，withoutdoubt，whoscratchedacalendaronthisstone。Whatisthatinyourhand?Acrowbar?Giveitme!\'
Hehadstillthelinstockofhisguninhisownhand。Hemadeasuddenexchangeofthetwoinstruments，andturningontheworm-eatenstoolandtable，beatthemtopiecesinafewblows。
`Holdthelighthigher!\'hesaid，wrathfully，totheturnkey。
`Lookamongthosefragmentswithcare，Jacques。Andsee!Hereismyknife，\'
throwingittohim；`ripopenthatbed，andsearchthestraw。Holdthelighthigher，you!\'
Withamenacinglookattheturnkeyhecrawleduponthehearth，and，peeringupthechimney，struckandprisedatitssideswiththecrowbar，andworkedattheirongratingacrossit。Inafewminutes，somemortaranddustcamedroppingdown，whichheavertedhisfacetoavoid；andinit，andintheoldwood-ashes，andinacreviceinthechimneyintowhichhisweaponhadslippedorwroughtitself，hegropedwithacautioustouch。
`Nothinginthewood，andnothinginthestraw，Jacques?\'
`Nothing。\'
`Letuscollectthemtogether，inthemiddleofthecell。So!
Lightthem，you!\'
Theturnkeyfiredthelittlepile，whichblazedhighandhot。
Stoopingagaintocomeoutatthelow-archeddoor，theyleftitburning，andretracedtheirwaytothecourt-yard；seemingtorecovertheirsenseofhearingastheycamedown，untiltheywereintheragingfloodoncemore。
Theyfounditsurgingandtossing，inquestofDefargehimself。
SaintAntoinewasclamoroustohaveitswine-shopkeeperforemostintheguarduponthegovernorwhohaddefendedtheBastilleandshotthepeople。
Otherwise，thegovernorwouldnotbemarchedtotheHoteldeVilleforjudgment。Otherwise，thegovernorwouldescape，andthepeople\'sbloodsuddenlyofsomevalue，aftermanyyearsofworthlessnessbeunavenged。
Inthehowlinguniverseofpassionandcontentionthatseemedtoencompassthisgrimoldofficerconspicuousinhisgreycoatandreddecoration，therewasbutonequitesteadyfigure，andthatwasawoman\'s。
`See，thereismyhusband!\'shecried，pointinghimout。`SeeDefarge!\'
Shestoodimmovableclosetothegrimoldofficer，andremainedimmovableclosetohim；remainedimmovableclosetohimthroughthestreets，asDefargeandtherestborehimalong；remainedimmovableclosetohimwhenhewasgotnearhisdestination，andbegantobestruckatfrombehind；remainedimmovableclosetohimwhenthelong-gatheringrainofstabsandblowsfellheavy；wassoclosetohimwhenhedroppeddeadunderit，that，suddenlyanimated，sheputherfootuponhisneck，andwithhercruelknife-long`ready-hewedoffhishead。
Thehourwascome，whenSaintAntoinewastoexecutehishorribleideaofhoistingupmenforlampstoshowwhathecouldbeanddo。SaintAntoine\'sbloodwasup，andthebloodoftyrannyanddominationbytheironhandwasdown——downonthestepsoftheHoteldeVillewherethegovernor\'sbodylay——downonthesoleoftheshoeofMadameDefargewhereshehadtroddenonthebodytosteadyitformutilation。`Lowerthelampyonder!\'
criedSaintAntoine，afterglaringroundforanewmeansofdeath；`hereisoneofhissoldierstobeleftonguard!\'Theswingingsentinelwasposted，andthesearushedon。
Theseaofblackandthreateningwaters，andofdestructiveupheavingofwaveagainstwave，whosedepthswereyetunfathomedandwhoseforceswereyetunknown。Theremorselessseaofturbulentlyswayingshapes，voicesofvengeance，andfaceshardenedinthefurnacesofsufferinguntilthetouchofpitycouldmakenomarkonthem。
But，intheoceanoffaceswhereeveryfierceandfuriousexpressionwasinvividlife，thereweretwogroupsoffaces——eachseveninnumber——sofixedlycontrastingwiththerest，thatneverdidsearollwhichboremorememorablewreckswithit。Sevenfacesofprisoners，suddenlyreleasedbythestormthathadbursttheirtomb，werecarriedhighoverhead:allscared，alllost，allwonderingandamazed，asiftheLastDaywerecome，andthosewhorejoicedaroundthemwerelostspirits。Othersevenfacestherewere，carriedhigher，sevendeadfaces，whosedroopingeyelidsandhalf-seeneyesawaitedtheLastDay。Impassivefaces，yetwithasuspended——notanabolished——expressiononthem；faces，rather，inafearfulpause，ashavingyettoraisethedroppedlidsoftheeyes，andbearwitnesswiththebloodlesslips，`THOUDIDSTIT!\'
Sevenprisonersreleased，sevengoryheadsonpikes，thekeysoftheaccursedfortressoftheeightstrongtowers，somediscoveredlettersandothermemorialsofprisonersofoldtime，longdeadofbrokenhearts，——such，andsuch-like，theloudlyechoingfootstepsofSaintAntoineescortthroughtheParisstreetsinmid-July，onethousandsevenhundredandeighty-nine。
Now，HeavendefeatthefancyofLucieDarnay，andkeepthesefeetfaroutofherlife!For，theyareheadlong，mad，anddangerous；andintheyearssolongafterthebreakingofthecaskatDefarge\'swine-shopdoor，theyarenoteasilypurifiedwhenoncestainedred。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIITheSeastillRisesHAGGARDSaintAntoinehadhadonlyoneexultantweek，inwhichtosoftenhismodicumofhardandbitterbreadtosuchextentashecould，withtherelishoffraternalembracesancongratulations，whenMadameDefargesatathercounter，asusual，presidingoverthecustomers。MadameDefargeworenoroseinherhead，forthegreatbrotherhoodofSpieshadbecome，eveninoneshortweek，extremelycharyoftrustingthemselvestothesaint\'smercies。Thelampshadaportentouslyelasticswingwiththem。
MadameDefarge，withherarmsfolded，satinthemorninglightandheat，contemplatingthewine-shopandthestreet。Inboth，therewereseveralknotsofloungers，squalidandmiserable，butnowwithamanifestsenseofpowerenthronedontheirdistress。Theraggedestnightcap，awryonthewretchedesthead，hadthiscrookedsignificanceinit:`Iknowhowhardithasgrownforme，thewearerofthis，tosupportlifeinmyself；butdoyouknowhoweasyithasgrownforme，thewearerofthis，todestroylifeinyou?\'Everyleanbarearm，thathadbeenwithoutworkbefore，hadthisworkalwaysreadyforitnow，thatitcouldstrike。Thefingersoftheknittingwomenwerevicious，withtheexperiencethattheycouldtear。
TherewasachangeintheappearanceofSaintAntoine；thehammeringintothisforhundredsofyears，andthelastfinishingblowshadtoldmightilyontheexpression。
MadameDefargesatobservingit，withsuchsuppressedapprovalaswastobedesiredintheleaderoftheSaintAntoinewomen。Oneofhersisterhoodknittedbesideher。Theshort，ratherplumpwifeofastarvedgrocer，andthemotheroftwochildrenwithal，thislieutenanthadalreadyearnedthecomplimentarynameofTheVengeance。
`Hark!\'saidTheVengeance。`Listen，then!Whocomes?\'
AsifatrainofpowderlaidfromtheoutermostboundoftheSaintAntoineQuartertothewine-shopdoor，hadbeensuddenlyfired，afast-spreadingmurmurcamerushingalong。
`ItisDefarge，\'saidmadame。`Silence，patriots!\'
Defargecameinbreathless，pulledoffaredcaphewore，andlookedaroundhim!`Listen，everywhere!\'saidmadameagain。`Listentohim!\'Defargestood，panting，againstabackgroundofeagereyesandopenmouths，formedoutsidethedoor；allthosewithinthewine-shophadsprungtotheirfeet。
`Saythen，myhusband。Whatisit?\'
`Newsfromtheotherworld!\'
`How，then?\'criedmadame，contemptuously。`Theotherworld?\'
`DoeseverybodyhererecalloldFoulon，whotoldthefamishedpeoplethattheymighteatgrass，andwhodied，andwenttoHell?\'
`Everybody!\'fromallthroats。
`Thenewsisofhim。Heisamongus!\'
`Amongus!\'fromtheuniversalthroatagain。`Anddead?\'
`Notdead!Hefearedussomuch——andwithreason——thathecausedhimselftoberepresentedasdead，andhadagrandmock-funeral。Buttheyhavefoundhimalive，hidinginthecountry，andhavebroughthimin。I
haveseenhimbutnow，onhiswaytotheHô；teldeVille，aprisoner。
Ihavesaidthathehadreasontofearus。Sayall!Hadhereason?\'
Wretchedoldsinnerofmorethanthreescoreyearsandten，ifhehadneverknownityet，hewouldhaveknownitinhisheartofheartsifhecouldhaveheardtheansweringcry。
Amomentofprofoundsilencefollowed。Defargeandhiswifelookedsteadfastlyatoneanother。TheVengeancestooped，andthejarofadrumwasheardasshemoveditatherfeetbehindthecounter。
`Patriots!\'saidDefarge，inadeterminedvoice，`areweready?\'
InstantlyMadameDefarge\'sknifewasinhergirdle；thedrumwasbeatinginthestreets，asifitandadrummerhadflowntogetherbymagic；andTheVengeance，utteringterrificshrieks，andflingingherarmsaboutherheadlikeallthefortyFuriesatonce，wastearingfromhousetohouse，rousingthewomen。
Themenwereterrible，inthebloody-mindedangerwithwhichtheylookedfromwindows，caughtupwhatarmstheyhad，andcamepouringdownintothestreets；but，thewomenwereasighttochilltheboldest。Fromsuchhouseholdoccupationsastheirbarepovertyyielded，fromtheirchildren，fromtheiragedandtheirsickcrouchingonthebaregroundfamishedandnaked，theyranoutwithstreaminghair，urgingoneanother，andthemselves，tomadnesswiththewildestcriesandactions。VillainFoulontaken，mysister!OldFoulontaken，mymother!MiscreantFoulontaken，mydaughter!
Then，ascoreofothersranintothemidstofthese，beatingtheirbreasts，tearingtheirhair，andscreaming，Foulonalive!Foulonwhotoldthestarvingpeopletheymighteatgrass!Foulonwhotoldmyoldfatherthathemighteatgrass，whenIhadnobreadtogivehim!Foulonwhotoldmybabyitmightsuckgrass，whenthesebreastsweredrywithwant!OmotherofGod，thisFoulon!OHeaven，oursuffering!Hearme，mydeadbabyandmywitheredfather:Iswearonmyknees，onthesestones，toavengeyouonFoulon!
Husbands，andbrothers，andyoungmen，GiveusthebloodofFoulon，GiveustheheadofFoulon，GiveustheheartofFoulon，GiveusthebodyandsoulofFoulon，RendFoulontopieces，anddighimintotheground，thatgrassmaygrowfromhim!Withthesecries，numbersofthewomen，lashedintoblindfrenzy，whirledabout，strikingandtearingattheirownfriendsuntiltheydroppedintoapassionateswoon，andwereonlysavedbythemenbelongingtothemfrombeingtrampledunderfoot。
Nevertheless，notamomentwaslost；notamoment!ThisFoulonwasattheHô；teldeVille，andmightbeloosed。Never，ifSaintAntoineknewhisownsufferings，insults，andwrongs!ArmedmenandwomenflockedoutoftheQuartersofast，anddreweventheselastdregsafterthemwithsuchaforceofsuction，thatwithinaquarterofanhourtherewasnotahumancreatureinSaintAntoine\'sbosombutafewoldcronesandthewailingchildren。
No。TheywereallbythattimechokingtheHallofExaminationwherethisoldman，uglyandwicked，was，andoverflowingintotheadjacentopenspaceandstreets。TheDefarges，husbandandwife，TheVengeance，andJacquesThree，wereinthefirstpress，andatnogreatdistancefromhimintheHall。
`See!\'criedmadame，pointingwithherknife。`Seetheoldvillainboundwithropes。Thatwaswelldonetotieabunchofgrassuponhisback。
Ha，ha!Thatwaswelldone。Lethimeatitnow!\'Madameputherknifeunderherarm，andclappedherhandsasataplay。
ThepeopleimmediatelybehindMadameDefarge，explainingthecauseofhersatisfactiontothosebehindthem，andthoseagainexplainingtoothers，andthosetoothers，theneighbouringstreetsresoundedwiththeclappingofhands。Similarly，duringtwoorthreehoursofbrawl，andthewinnowingofmanybushelsofwords，MadameDefarge\'sfrequentexpressionsofimpatienceweretakenup，withmarvellousquickness，atadistance:
themorereadily，becausecertainmenwhohadbysomewonderfulexerciseofagilityclimbeduptheexternalarchitecturetolookinfromthewindows，knewMadameDefargewell，andactedasatelegraphbetweenherandthecrowdoutsidethebuilding。
Atlengththesunrosesohighthatitstruckakindlyrayasofhopeorprotection，directlydownupontheoldprisoner\'shead。Thefavourwastoomuchtobear；inaninstantthebarrierofdustandchaffthathadstoodsurprisinglylong，wenttothewinds，andSaintAntoinehadgothim!
Itwasknowndirectly，tothefurthestconfinesofthecrowd。
Defargehadbutsprungoverarailingandatable，andfoldedthemiserablewretchinadeadlyembrace——MadameDefargehadbutfollowedandturnedherhandinoneoftheropeswithwhichhewastied——TheVengeanceandJacquesThreewerenotyetupwiththem，andthemenatthewindowshadnotyetswoopedintotheHall，likebirdsofpreyfromtheirhighperches——whenthecryseemedtogoup，alloverthecity，`Bringhimout!Bringhimtothelamp!\'
Down，andup，andheadforemostonthestepsofthebuilding；
now，onhisknees；now，onhisfeet；now，onhisback；dragged，andstruckat，andstifledbythebunchesofgrassandstrawthatwerethrustintohisfacebyhundredsofhands；torn，bruised，panting，bleeding，yetalwaysentreatingandbeseechingformercy；nowfullofvehementagonyofaction，withasmallclearspaceabouthimasthepeopledrewoneanotherbackthattheymightsee；now，alogofdeadwooddrawnthroughaforestoflegs；hewashauledtotheneareststreetcornerwhereoneofthefatallampsswung，andthereMadameDefargelethimgo——asacatmighthavedonetoamouse——andsilentlyandcomposedlylookedathimwhiletheymadeready，andwhilehebesoughther:thewomenpassionatelyscreechingathimallthetime，andthemensternlycallingouttohavehimkilledwithgrassinhismouth。Once，hewentaloft，andtheropebroke，andtheycaughthimshrieking；twice，hewentaloft，andtheropebroke，andtheycaughthimshrieking；then，theropewasmerciful，andheldhim，andhisheadwassoonuponapike，withgrassenoughinthemouthforallSaintAntoinetodanceatthesightof。Norwasthistheendoftheday\'sbadwork，forSaintAntoinesoshoutedanddancedhisangrybloodup，thatitboiledagain，onhearingwhenthedayclosedinthattheson-in-lawofthedespatched，anotherofthepeople\'senemiesandinsulters，wascomingintoParisunderguardfivehundredstrong，incavalryalone。SaintAntoinewrotehiscrimesonflaringsheetsofpaper，seizedhim——wouldhavetornhimoutofthebreastofanarmytobearFouloncompany——sethisheadandheartonpikes，andcarriedthethreespoilsoftheday，inWolf-procession，throughthestreets。
Notbeforedarknightdidthemenandwomencomebacktothechildren，wailingandbreadless。Then，themiserablebakers\'shopswerebesetbylongfilesofthem，patientlywaitingtobuybadbread；andwhiletheywaitedwithstomachsfaintandempty，theybeguiledthetimebyembracingoneanotheronthetriumphsoftheday，andachievingthemagainingossip。
Gradually，thesestringsofraggedpeopleshortenedandfrayedaway；andthenpoorlightsbegantoshineinhighwindows，andslenderfiresweremadeinthestreets，atwhichneighbourscookedincommon，afterwardssuppingattheirdoors。
Scantyandinsufficientsuppersthose，andinnocentofmeat，asofmostothersaucetowretchedbread。Yet，humanfellowshipinfusedsomenourishmentintotheflintyviands，andstrucksomesparksofcheerfulnessoutofthem。Fathersandmotherswhohadhadtheirfullshareintheworstoftheday，playedgentlywiththeirmeagrechildren；andlovers，withsuchaworldaroundthemandbeforethem，lovedandhoped。
Itwasalmostmorning，whenDefarge\'swine-shoppartedwithitslastknotofcustomers，andMonsieurDefargesaidtomadamehiswife，inhuskytones，whilefasteningthedoor:
`Atlastitiscome，mydear!\'
`Ehwell!\'returnedmadame。`Almost。\'
SaintAntoineslept，theDefargesslept:evenTheVengeancesleptwithherstarvedgrocer，andthedrumwasatrest。Thedrum\'swastheonlyvoiceinSaintAntoinethatbloodandhurryhadnotchanged。TheVengeance，ascustodianofthedrum，couldhavewakenedhimupandhadthesamespeechoutofhimasbeforetheBastillefell，oroldFoulonwasseized；notsowiththehoarsetonesofthemenandwomeninSaintAntoine\'sbosom。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIIIFireRisesTHEREwasachangeonthevillagewherethefountainfell，andwherethemenderofroadswentforthdailytohammeroutofthestonesonthehighwaysuchmorselsofbreadasmightserveforpatchestoholdhispoorignorantsoulandhispoorreducedbodytogether。Theprisononthecragwasnotsodominantasofyore；thereweresoldierstoguardit，butnotmany；
therewereofficerstoguardthesoldiers，butnotoneofthemknewwhathismenwoulddo——beyondthis:thatitwouldprobablynotbewhathewasordered。
Farandwidelayaruinedcountry，yieldingnothingbutdesolation。
Everygreenleaf，everybladeofgrassandbladeofgrain，wasasshrivelledandpoorasthemiserablepeople。Everythingwasboweddown，dejected，oppressed，andbroken。Habitations，fences，domesticatedanimals，men，women，children，andthesoilthatborethem——allwornout。
Monseigneuroftenamostworthyindividualgentlemanwasanationalblessing，gaveachivalroustonetothings，wasapoliteexampleofluxuriousandshininglife，andagreatdealmoretoequalpurpose；nevertheless，Monseigneurasaclasshad，somehoworother，broughtthingstothis。StrangethatCreation，designedexpresslyforMonseigneur，shouldbesosoonwrungdryandsqueezedout!Theremustbesomethingshort-sightedintheeternalarrangements，surelyThusitwas，however；andthelastdropofbloodhavingbeenextractedfromtheflints，andthelastscrewoftherackhavingbeenturnedsooftenthatitspurchasecrumbled，anditnowturnedandturnedwithnothingtobite，Monseigneurbegantorunawayfromaphenomenonsolowandunaccountable。
But，thiswasnotthechangeonthevillage，andonmanyavillagelikeit。Forscoresofyearsgoneby，Monseigneurhadsqueezeditandwrungit，andhadseldomgraceditwithhispresenceexceptforthepleasuresofthechase——now，foundinhuntingthepeople；now，foundinhuntingthebeasts，forwhosepreservationMonseigneurmadeedifyingspacesofbarbarousandbarrenwilderness。No。Thechangeconsistedintheappearanceofstrangefacesoflowcaste，ratherthaninthedisappearanceofthehigh-caste，chiseled，andotherwisebeatifiedandbeatifyingfeaturesofMonseigneur。
For，inthesetimes，asthemenderofroadsworked，solitary，inthedust，notoftentroublinghimselftoreflectthatdusthewasandtodusthemustreturn，beingforthemostparttoomuchoccupiedinthinkinghowlittlehehadforsupperandhowmuchmorehewouldeatifhehadit——inthesetimes，asheraisedhiseyesfromhislonelylabour，andviewedtheprospect，hewouldseesomeroughfigureapproachingonfoot，thelikeofwhichwasonceararityinthoseparts，butwasnowafrequentpresence。
Asitadvanced，themenderofroadswoulddiscernwithoutsurprise，thatitwasashaggy-hairedman，ofalmostbarbarianaspect，tall，inwoodenshoesthatwereclumsyeventotheeyesofamenderofroads，grim，rough，swart，steepedinthemudanddustofmanyhighways，dankwiththemarshymoistureofmanylowgrounds，sprinkledwiththethornsandleavesandmossofmanybywaysthroughwoods。
Suchamancameuponhim，likeaghost，atnoonintheJulyweather，ashesatonhisheapofstonesunderabank，takingsuchshelterashecouldgetfromashowerofhail。
Themanlookedathim，lookedatthevillageinthehollow，atthemill，andattheprisononthecrag。Whenhehadidentifiedtheseobjectsinwhatbenightedmindhehad，hesaid，inadialectthatwasjustintelligible:
`Howgoesit，Jacques?\'
`Allwell，Jacques。\'
`Touchthen!\'
Theyjoinedhands，andthemansatdownontheheapofstones。
`Nodinner?\'
`Nothingbutsuppernow，\'saidthemenderofroads，withahungryface。
`Itisthefashion，\'growledtheman。`Imeetnodinneranywhere。\'
Hetookoutablackenedpipe，filledit，lighteditwithflintandsteel，pulledatituntilitwasinabrightglow:then，suddenlyhelditfromhimanddroppedsomethingintoitfrombetweenhisfingerandthumb，thatblazedandwentoutinapuffofsmoke。