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"I had not thought of both; I should not think either, likely.

You want a promise from me. Tell me what it is."

"It is, that if Miss Manette should bring to you at any time, on

her own part, such a confidence as I have ventured to lay before

you, you will bear testimony to what I have said, and to your

belief in it. I hope you may be able to think so well of me, as

to urge no influence against me. I say nothing more of my stake

in this; this is what I ask. The condition on which I ask it, and

which you have an undoubted right to require, I will observe

immediately."

"I give the promise," said the Doctor, "without any condition. I

believe your object to be, purely and truthfully, as you have

stated it. I believe your intention is to perpetuate, and not to

weaken, the ties between me and my other and far dearer self. If

she should ever tell me that you are essential to her perfect

happiness, I will give her to you. If there were--Charles Darnay,

if there were--"