Pagina 158 di 896

Mr. Attorney-General now signified to my Lord, that he deemed it

necessary, as a matter of precaution and form, to call the young

lady's father, Doctor Manette. Who was called accordingly.

"Doctor Manette, look upon the prisoner. Have you ever seen him

before?"

"Once. When he called at my lodgings in London. Some three years,

or three years and a half ago."

"Can you identify him as your fellow-passenger on board the

packet, or speak to his conversation with your daughter?"

"Sir, I can do neither."

"Is there any particular and special reason for your being unable

to do either?"

He answered, in a low voice, "There is."

"Has it been your misfortune to undergo a long imprisonment,

without trial, or even accusation, in your native country, Doctor

Manette?"

He answered, in a tone that went to every heart, "A long

imprisonment."

"Were you newly released on the occasion in question?"

"They tell me so."

"Have you no remembrance of the occasion?"