Book the Third - The Track of a Storm
3. III. The Shadow
(continued)
"Yes. That she may be able to recognise the faces and know the persons.
It is for their safety."
Beginning to be struck by Defarge's manner, Mr. Lorry looked
dubiously at him, and led the way. Both the women followed; the
second woman being The Vengeance.
They passed through the intervening streets as quickly as they might,
ascended the staircase of the new domicile, were admitted by Jerry,
and found Lucie weeping, alone. She was thrown into a transport by
the tidings Mr. Lorry gave her of her husband, and clasped the hand
that delivered his note--little thinking what it had been doing near
him in the night, and might, but for a chance, have done to him.
"DEAREST,--Take courage. I am well, and your father has
influence around me. You cannot answer this.
Kiss our child for me."
That was all the writing. It was so much, however, to her who
received it, that she turned from Defarge to his wife, and kissed one
of the hands that knitted. It was a passionate, loving, thankful,
womanly action, but the hand made no response--dropped cold and
heavy, and took to its knitting again.
There was something in its touch that gave Lucie a check.
She stopped in the act of putting the note in her bosom, and,
with her hands yet at her neck, looked terrified at Madame Defarge.
Madame Defarge met the lifted eyebrows and forehead with a cold,
impassive stare.
"My dear," said Mr. Lorry, striking in to explain; "there are
frequent risings in the streets; and, although it is not likely they
will ever trouble you, Madame Defarge wishes to see those whom she
has the power to protect at such times, to the end that she may know
them--that she may identify them. I believe," said Mr. Lorry,
rather halting in his reassuring words, as the stony manner of all
the three impressed itself upon him more and more, "I state the case,
Citizen Defarge?"
Defarge looked gloomily at his wife, and gave no other answer than a
gruff sound of acquiescence.
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