That he had his reasons for this. It was againa summer day when, lately arrived in London from his collegeoccupation, he turned into the quiet corner in Soho, bent on seekingan opportunity of opening his mind to Doctor Manette. It was the closeof the summer day, and he knew Lucie to be out with Miss Pross.
He found the Doctor reading in his arm-chair at a window. The energywhich had at once supported him under his old sufferings andaggravated their sharpness, had been gradually restored to him. He wasnow a very energetic man indeed, with great firmness of purpose,strength of resolution, and vigour of action. In his recoveredenergy he was sometimes a little fitful and sudden, as he had at firstbeen in the exercise of his other recovered faculties; but, this hadnever been frequently observable, and had grown more and more rare.
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He studied much, slept little, sustained a great deal of fatiguewith ease, and was equably cheerful. To him, now entered CharlesDarnay, at sight of whom he laid aside his book and held out his hand.
"Charles Darnay! I rejoice to see you. We have been counting on yourreturn these three or four days past. Mr. Stryver and Sydney Cartonwere both here yesterday, and both made you out to be more than due."
"I am obliged to them for their interest in the matter," heanswered, a little coldly as to them, though very warmly as to theDoctor. "Miss Manette--"
"Is well," said the Doctor, as he stopped short, "and your returnwill delight us all. She has gone out on some household matters, butwill soon be home."
"You anticipate what I would say, though you cannot know howearnestly I say it, how earnestly I feel it, without knowing my secretheart, and the hopes and fears and anxieties with which it has longbeen laden. Dear Doctor Manette, I love your daughter fondly,dearly, disinterestedly, devotedly. If ever there were love in theworld, I love her. You have loved yourself; let your old love speakfor me!"
The Doctor sat with his face turned away, and his eyes bent on theground. At the last words, he stretched out his hand again, hurriedly,and cried:
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