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"To the first, then. He is of a studious habit, and unusually

energetic; he applies himself with great ardour to the

acquisition of professional knowledge, to the conducting of

experiments, to many things. Now, does he do too much?"

"I think not. It may be the character of his mind, to be always

in singular need of occupation. That may be, in part, natural to

it; in part, the result of affliction. The less it was occupied

with healthy things, the more it would be in danger of turning in

the unhealthy direction. He may have observed himself, and made

the discovery."

"You are sure that he is not under too great a strain?"

"I think I am quite sure of it."

"My dear Manette, if he were overworked now--"

"My dear Lorry, I doubt if that could easily be. There has been a

violent stress in one direction, and it needs a counterweight."

"Excuse me, as a persistent man of business. Assuming for a

moment, that he was overworked; it would show itself in some

renewal of this disorder?"