Page 27 - A Tale of Two Cities

He felt that he could wait no longer to talk to her father about his
feelings, and one summer afternoon, knowing that Lucie would be
out, he arrived at the Manettes’ house.

Doctor Manette had grown to like Charles Darnay very much and
there was no sign of trouble in his face, as there had been on their

first meeting, when he greeted him on that sunny afternoon.
‘Charles! How lovely to see you! Mr Stryver and Mr Carton were
both here yesterday, and we were saying that we hoped you would
visit soon. My daughter will be back soon, and she will be delighted
that you are here.’

‘Doctor Manette, I knew that she was not here this afternoon,’
said Charles. ‘I wanted to speak to you alone.’

There was silence for a moment, and the doctor said, ‘Then bring
your chair here, and go on.’
‘Doctor Manette,’ said Charles, when he had sat down, ‘I love
your daughter dearly, but I have not written to her or spoken to her
because I wanted to talk to you fi rst.’

‘Thank you for that,’ said the doctor.
‘I have seen you and your daughter together day after day,’
Charles went on. ‘I know that there is the most extraordinary love
between you and your daughter. Seeing this, I have said nothing of
my feelings for Lucie for as long as possible. If one day I were lucky
enough to make her my wife, I would not try to put any separation
between you and her. I would ask only to share in your life and
home with her, and to support her in her love for you.’
‘I thank you with all my heart for your kindness, Charles,’ said
Doctor Manette. ‘And if Lucie wishes to marry you, I will give her to
you.’

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