Page 874 of 896

"I little thought," said Miss Pross, "that I should ever want to

understand your nonsensical language; but I would give all I

have, except the clothes I wear, to know whether you suspect the

truth, or any part of it."

Neither of them for a single moment released the other's eyes.

Madame Defarge had not moved from the spot where she stood when

Miss Pross first became aware of her; but, she now advanced one

step.

"I am a Briton," said Miss Pross, "I am desperate. I don't care

an English Twopence for myself. I know that the longer I keep you

here, the greater hope there is for my Ladybird. I'll not leave a

handful of that dark hair upon your head, if you lay a finger on

me!"

Thus Miss Pross, with a shake of her head and a flash of her eyes

between every rapid sentence, and every rapid sentence a whole

breath. Thus Miss Pross, who had never struck a blow in her life.