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A TALE OF TWO CITIES - CHAPTER 10-13 (B)
Book the Second: The Golden Thread Chapters 10–13
Summary: Chapter 10: Two Promises
A year later, Darnay makes a moderate living
as a French teacher in London. He visits Doctor Manette and admits his love
for Lucie. He honors Manette’s special relationship with his daughter,
assuring him that his own love for Lucie will in no way disturb that bond.
Manette applauds Darnay for speaking so “feelingly and so manfully” and asks
if he seeks a promise from him. Darnay asks Manette to promise to vouch for
what he has said, for the true nature of his love, should Lucie ever ask.
Manette promises as much. Wanting to be worthy of his confidence, Darnay
attempts to tell Manette his real name, confessing that it is not Darnay.
Manette stops him short, making him promise to reveal his name only if he
proves successful in his courtship. He will hear Darnay’s secret on his
wedding day. Hours later, after Darnay has left, Lucie hears her father
cobbling away at his shoemaker’s bench. Frightened by his relapse, she
watches him as he sleeps that night.
Summary: Chapter 11: A Companion Picture
Late that same night, Carton and Stryver
work in Stryver’s chambers. In his puffed-up and arrogant manner,
Stryver announces that he intends to marry Lucie. Carton drinks heavily
at the news, assuring Stryver that his words have not upset him. Stryver
suggests that Carton himself find “some respectable woman with a little
property,” and marry her, lest he end up ill and penniless.
Summary: Chapter 12: The Fellow of Delicacy
The next day, Stryver plans to take Lucie
to the Vauxhall Gardens to make his marriage proposal. On his way, he
drops in at Tellson’s Bank, where he informs Mr. Lorry of his intentions.
Lorry persuades Stryver to postpone his proposal until he knows for
certain that Lucie will accept. This admonition upsets Stryver. He
almost insults Lucie as a “mincing Fool,” but Lorry warns him against
doing so. Lorry asks that Stryver hold off his proposal for a few hours
to give him time to consult the family and see exactly where Stryver
stands. Later that night, Lorry visits Stryver and reports that his
fears have been confirmed. If Stryver were to propose, the Manettes
would reject his offer. Stryver dismisses the entire affair as one of
the “vanities” of “empty-headed girls” and begs Lorry to forget it.
Summary: Chapter 13: The Fellow of No Delicacy
Carton, who frequently wanders near the
Manettes’ house late at night, enters the house one August day and
speaks to Lucie alone. She observes a change in his face. He laments his
wasted life, despairing that he shall never live a better life than the
one he now lives. Lucie assures him that he might become much worthier
of himself. She believes that her tenderness can save him. Carton
insists that he has declined beyond salvation but admits that he has
always viewed Lucie as “the last dream of [his] soul.” She has made him
consider beginning his life again, though he no longer believes in the
possibility of doing so. He feels happy to have admitted this much to
Lucie and to know that something remains in him that still deserves pity.
Carton ends his confession with a pledge that he would do anything for
Lucie, including give his life.