Book III, Chapter Two – The Grindstone

Tellson’s has set up temporary offices in the abandoned palace of an aristocrat. From this location, Mr. Lorry has been making lots of financial decisions. Lorry looks out into the courtyard, where a large grindstone has been set up. The patriots use the courtyard as a space where they re-grind the edges of their weapons. As Mr. Lorry looks out the window, he receives a violent shock: Lucie and her father are coming in the courtyard door. Quickly, Mr. Lorry opens the door and rushes them inside.

Lucie tells him that Charles has come to the city. Immediately, Mr. Lorry realizes what this means. Charles is in trouble. He tries to shield the Manettes from the windows, but the doctor coolly ignores him. Doctor Manette, you see, is something of a hero for the patriots. As a former prisoner of the Bastille, he’s untouchable. In fact, he might even have some leverage in getting Charles out of prison. That’s why he and Lucie had come to Paris. 

Lucie is sent to Lorry’s room and then Mr. Lorry whispers to the doctor that the patriots have begun murdering prisoners. Doctor Manette sighs and goes out into the crowd. He watches as Doctor Manette is carried out into the streets by the mob.