`I neither want any thanks, nor merit any,' was the careless rejoinder. `It was nothing to do, in the first place; and I don't know why I did it, in the second. Mr. Darnay, let' me ask you a question.'

`Willingly, and a small return for your good offices.'

`Do you think I particularly like you?'

`Really, Mr. Carton,' returned the other, oddly disconcerted, `I have not asked myself the question.'

`But ask yourself the question now.'

`You have acted as if you do; but I don't think you do.'

`1 don't think I do,' said Carton. `I begin to have a very good opinion of your understanding.'

`Nevertheless,' pursued Darnay, rising to ring the bell, `there is nothing in that, I hope, to prevent my calling the reckoning, and our parting without ill-blood on either side.'