صفحة 478 من 896

"Upon my life," said Carton, smiling, "I find that easier to

comprehend in my own mind, than to convey to yours. However, let

me try. You remember a certain famous occasion when I was more

drunk than--than usual?"

"I remember a certain famous occasion when you forced me to

confess that you had been drinking."

"I remember it too. The curse of those occasions is heavy upon

me, for I always remember them. I hope it may be taken into

account one day, when all days are at an end for me! Don't be

alarmed; I am not going to preach."

"I am not at all alarmed. Earnestness in you, is anything but

alarming to me."

"Ah!" said Carton, with a careless wave of his hand, as if he

waved that away. "On the drunken occasion in question (one of a

large number, as you know), I was insufferable about liking you,

and not liking you. I wish you would forget it."

"I forgot it long ago."