.”

“Now understand me,” pursued Mr. Lorry. “As a man of

business, I am not justified in saying anything about this matter,

for, as a man of business, I know nothing of it. But, as an old

fellow, who has carried Miss Manette in his arms, who is the

trusted friend of Miss Manette and of her father too, and who has a

great affection for them both, I have spoken. The confidence is not

of my seeking, recollect. Now, you think I may not be right?”

“Not I!” said Stryver, whistling. “I can’t undertake to find third

parties in common sense; I can only find it for myself. I suppose

sense in certain quarters; you suppose mincing bread-and-butter

nonsense. It’s new to me, but you are right, I daresay.”

“What I suppose, Mr. Stryver, I claim to characterise for myself.

And understand me, sir,” said Mr. Lorry, quickly flushing again, “I

will notnot even at Tellson’shave it characterised for me by

any gentleman breathing.

“There! I beg your pardon!” said Stryver.

“Granted. Thank you. Well, Mr. Stryver, I was about to say:it

might be painful too you to find yourself mistaken, it might be

painful to Doctor Manette to have the task of being explicit with

you, it might be very painful to Miss Manette to have the task of

being explicit with you. You know the terms upon which I have

the honour and happiness to stand with the family. If you please