Page 584 - A TALE OF TWO CITIES

A Tale of Two Cities

‘He first laughed at my words, and then frowned at
them. He moved a chair with his foot near to mine,
ordered the woman away, and said in a subdued voice,
‘‘Doctor, finding my brother in this difficulty with

these hinds, I recommended that your aid should be
invited. Your reputation is high, and, as a young man with
your fortune to make, you are probably mindful of your
interest. The things that you see here, are things to be
seen, and not spoken of.’
‘I listened to the patient’s breathing, and avoided
answering.
‘‘Do you honour me with your attention, Doctor?’
‘‘Monsieur,’ said I, ‘in my profession, the
communications of patients are always received in
confidence.’ I was guarded in my answer, for I was
troubled in my mind with what I had heard and seen.
‘Her breathing was so difficult to trace, that I carefully
tried the pulse and the heart. There was life, and no more.
Looking round as I resumed my seat, I found both the
brothers intent upon me.

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