Page 868 of 896

Still, Madame Defarge, pursuing her way along the streets, came

nearer and nearer.

"If you were to go before," said Miss Pross, "and stop the

vehicle and horses from coming here, and were to wait somewhere

for me; wouldn't that be best?"

Mr. Cruncher thought it might be best.

"Where could you wait for me?" asked Miss Pross.

Mr. Cruncher was so bewildered that he could think of no locality

but Temple Bar. Alas! Temple Bar was hundreds of miles away, and

Madame Defarge was drawing very near indeed.

"By the cathedral door," said Miss Pross. "Would it be much out

of the way, to take me in, near the great cathedral door between

the two towers?"

"No, miss," answered Mr. Cruncher.

"Then, like the best of men," said Miss Pross, "go to the

posting-house straight, and make that change."

"I am doubtful," said Mr. Cruncher, hesitating and shaking his

head, "about leaving of you, you see. We don't know what may

happen."