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"It is a long time," repeated his wife; "and when is it not a

long time? Vengeance and retribution require a long time; it is

the rule."

"It does not take a long time to strike a man with Lightning,"

said Defarge.

"How long," demanded madame, composedly, "does it take to make

and store the lightning? Tell me."

Defarge raised his head thoughtfully, as if there were something

in that too.

"It does not take a long time," said madame, "for an earthquake

to swallow a town. Eh well! Tell me how long it takes to prepare

the earthquake?"

"A long time, I suppose," said Defarge.

"But when it is ready, it takes place, and grinds to pieces

everything before it. In the meantime, it is always preparing,

though it is not seen or heard. That is your consolation. Keep

it."

She tied a knot with flashing eyes, as if it throttled a foe.