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"Is it not--forgive me; I have begun the question on my lips--a

pity to live no better life?"

"God knows it is a shame!"

"Then why not change it?"

Looking gently at him again, she was surprised and saddened to

see that there were tears in his eyes. There were tears in his

voice too, as he answered:

"It is too late for that. I shall never be better than I am. I

shall sink lower, and be worse."

He leaned an elbow on her table, and covered his eyes with his

hand. The table trembled in the silence that followed.

She had never seen him softened, and was much distressed. He knew

her to be so, without looking at her, and said:

"Pray forgive me, Miss Manette. I break down before the knowledge

of what I want to say to you. Will you hear me?"

"If it will do you any good, Mr. Carton, if it would make you

happier, it would make me very glad!"

"God bless you for your sweet compassion!"

He unshaded his face after a little while, and spoke steadily.