In Chapter X of Book the Second of A Tale of Two
Cities, Dr. Manette and Charles Darnay each make a promise to the
others.
Dr. Manette's
promise
A year after beginning his
residence in England, Charles Darnay has fallen deeply in love with Lucie Manette.
Respectfully, then, he approaches Dr. Manette to ask permission to marry her; Darnay
prefaces his request with his acknowledgement of the close bond between the father and
his daughter. Further, he declares that if his marrying Lucie were to "put any
separation between her and you," he would not consider making his request as it would be
base of him to do so. Then, Darnay asks a promise of Dr. Manette, who tells Darnay that
he does not know how Lucie feels about him. He requests that if Lucie profess love for
him that the father not speak ill of him. Dr. Manette
promises,
I
give the promise,” said the Doctor, “without any condition. I believe your object to be,
purely and truthfully, as you have stated it. I believe your intention is to perpetuate,
and not to weaken, the ties between me and my other and far dearer self.
If she should ever tell me that you are essential to her perfect
happiness, I will give her to
you.
Manette
further promises that if there be anything whatsoever against the man she loves, "they
should all be obliterated for her
sake."
Charles Darnay's
promise
With his last statement, Dr. Manette
hints at his knowledge of Darnay's background. In response, Darnay begins to tell him
why he has changed his name, but Dr. Manette halts the young man's testimony.
"You shall tell me on your marriage morning. Do you promise?" Darnay
answers with one word, "Willingly."
So
gravely has this converstion affected Dr. Manette that upon her return home, Lucie finds
her father hammering at his shoemaking in his bedroom. Tapping at his door, she softly
calls to him; when he comes, they walk together for a long time. Finally, Dr. Manette
retires and sleeps well.
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