Strona 184 z 896

"I neither want any thanks, nor merit any," was the careless

rejoinder. "It was nothing to do, in the first place; and I don't

know why I did it, in the second. Mr. Darnay, let me ask you a

question."

"Willingly, and a small return for your good offices."

"Do you think I particularly like you?"

"Really, Mr. Carton," returned the other, oddly disconcerted, "I

have not asked myself the question."

"But ask yourself the question now."

"You have acted as if you do; but I don't think you do."

"I don't think I do," said Carton. "I begin to have a very good

opinion of your understanding."

"Nevertheless," pursued Darnay, rising to ring the bell, "there

is nothing in that, I hope, to prevent my calling the reckoning,

and our parting without ill-blood on either side."

Carton rejoining, "Nothing in life!" Darnay rang. "Do you call

the whole reckoning?" said Carton. On his answering in the

affirmative, "Then bring me another pint of this same wine,

drawer, and come and wake me at ten."