“I believe,” returned Doctor Manette, “that there had been a

strong and extraordinary revival of the train of thought and

Charles Dickens ElecBook Classics

remembrance that was the first cause of the malady. Some intense

associations of the most distressing nature were vividly recalled, I

think. It is probable that there had long been a dread lurking in

his mind, that those associations would be recalledsay, under

certain circumstancessay, on a particular occasion. He tried to

prepare himself in vain; perhaps the effort to prepare himself

made him less able to bear it.”

“Would he remember what took place in the relapse?” asked

Mr. Lorry with natural hesitation.

The Doctor looked desolately round the room, shook his head,

and answered, in a low voice, “Not at all.”

“Now, as to the future,” hinted Mr. Lorry.

“As to the future,” said the Doctor, recovering firmness, “I

should have great hope. As it pleased Heaven in its mercy to

restore him so soon, I should have great hope. He, yielding under

the pressure of a complicated something, long dreaded and long

vaguely foreseen and contended against, and recovering after the

cloud had burst and passed, I should hope the worst was over.”

“Well, well! That’s good comfort. I am thankful!” said Mr.

Lorry.

“I am thankful!” repeated the Doctor, bending his head with

reverence