A Tale of Two Cities: Book 3, Chapter 10 Summary

Chapter 10: The Substance of the Shadow

Mr. Lorry and Jerry Cruncher

Mr. Jarvis Lorry is appalled to discover Jerry Cruncher's illegal side hustle as a body snatcher. He threatens to report Jerry upon their return to England. Jerry defends himself, citing their long working relationship and the hypocrisy of potentially accusing him while medical doctors who bank at Tellson's might be doing similar things. Jerry proposes that his son take over his position at Tellson's, allowing him to become a gravedigger and make amends. Lorry softens slightly, demanding to see Jerry's repentance "in action—not in words."

Sydney Carton's Farewell

Sydney Carton emerges after speaking with Barsad and bids the spy farewell. He informs Lorry that he has secured access to Darnay "once" if things go poorly, but acknowledges that this wouldn't be enough to save him. Lorry is moved to tears, and Carton reassures him, calling him a good man and a true friend. Lorry, seeing Carton's better side, takes his hand. Carton requests that Lucie remain unaware of their meeting, fearing she might think it was to provide Darnay with a means of suicide. He inquires about Lucie's well-being, and Lorry describes her as "Anxious and unhappy, but very beautiful." Carton's grief is evident.

Lorry's Departure and Carton's Reflections

With his work in Paris finished and Lucie's family safe, Lorry prepares to leave. Carton reflects on Lorry's long and fulfilling life, contrasting it with his own. He suggests that if Lorry hadn't been useful and respected, his 78 years would have been "seventy-eight heavy curses." They discuss Lorry's childhood memories, and Carton laments that his own path never led to a peaceful old age. He escorts Lorry to Lucie's gate, promising to be in court the following morning.

Carton's Nighttime Journey

Carton walks to La Force prison, retracing Lucie's steps from her daily visits. He encounters the wood-sawyer, who is delighted by the executioner's efficiency. Carton then visits a pharmacy and purchases several items, acknowledging the consequences of mixing them. Back on the street, he recalls the words read at his father's funeral: "I am the resurrection and the life..." He reflects on the day's executions and those to come, crossing the Seine to the more affluent part of town. He helps a woman and her daughter cross a muddy road, carrying the little girl and asking for a kiss in return. Carton walks through the night, the Bible passage echoing in his footsteps. He naps on the riverbank, waking with the words still in his mind and a vision of a "bridge of light" spanning the air.

The Tribunal and Dr. Manette's Accusation

Carton arrives at the Tribunal, where Lorry, Lucie, and Dr. Manette are already present. Lucie's loving gaze encourages Darnay, as it does Carton. However, the judges, jury, and audience appear hostile. The prosecutor reveals that three people have denounced Darnay: Monsieur Defarge, Madame Defarge, and, shockingly, "Alexandre Manette, physician." Dr. Manette vehemently denies this, asserting that he would never denounce his son-in-law. Monsieur Defarge is called to testify and, under his wife's watchful eye, reveals a document found hidden in Dr. Manette's cell during the storming of the Bastille. The President orders the document to be read.