Страница 867 из 896

"Forbid it," proceeded Mr. Cruncher, with additional solemnity,

additional slowness, and additional tendency to hold forth and

hold out, "as anything wot I have ever said or done should be

wisited on my earnest wishes for them poor creeturs now! Forbid

it as we shouldn't all flop (if it was anyways conwenient) to get

'em out o' this here dismal risk! Forbid it, miss! Wot I say,

for-bid it!" This was Mr. Cruncher's conclusion after a

protracted but vain endeavour to find a better one.

And still Madame Defarge, pursuing her way along the streets,

came nearer and nearer.

"If we ever get back to our native land," said Miss Pross, "you

may rely upon my telling Mrs. Cruncher as much as I may be able

to remember and understand of what you have so impressively said;

and at all events you may be sure that I shall bear witness to

your being thoroughly in earnest at this dreadful time. Now, pray

let us think! My esteemed Mr. Cruncher, let us think!"