refreshment of the frosty air, at an hour’s distance from my place

of residence in the Street of the School of Medicine, when a

carriage came along behind me, driven very fast. As I stood aside

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to let that carriage pass, apprehensive that it might otherwise run

me down, a head was put out at the window, and a voice called to

the driver to stop.

“The carriage stopped as soon as the driver could rein in his

horses, and the same voice called to me by my name. I answered.

The carriage was then so far in advance of me that two gentlemen

had time to open the door and alight before I came up with it. I

observed that they were both wrapped in cloaks, and appeared to

conceal themselves. As they stood side by side near the carriage

door, I also observed that they both looked of about my own age,

or rather younger, and that they were greatly alike, in stature,

manner, voice, and (as far as I could see) face too.

“‘You are Doctor Manette?’ said one.

“‘I am.’ “‘Doctor Manette, formerly of Beauvais,’ said the other;

‘the young physician, originally an expert surgeon, who within the

last year or two has made a rising reputation in Paris?’

“‘Gentlemen,’ I returned, ‘I am that Doctor Manette of whom you

speak so graciously.’ “‘We have been to your residence,’ said the

first, ‘and not being so fortunate a