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"I am obliged to them for their interest in the matter," he

answered, a little coldly as to them, though very warmly as to

the Doctor. "Miss Manette--"

"Is well," said the Doctor, as he stopped short, "and your return

will delight us all. She has gone out on some household matters,

but will soon be home."

"Doctor Manette, I knew she was from home. I took the opportunity

of her being from home, to beg to speak to you."

There was a blank silence.

"Yes?" said the Doctor, with evident constraint. "Bring your

chair here, and speak on."

He complied as to the chair, but appeared to find the speaking on

less easy.

"I have had the happiness, Doctor Manette, of being so intimate

here," so he at length began, "for some year and a half, that I

hope the topic on which I am about to touch may not--"

He was stayed by the Doctor's putting out his hand to stop him.

When he had kept it so a little while, he said, drawing it back:

"Is Lucie the topic?"

"She is."