Chapter Seven: A Knock at the Door

Summary

Though Darnay is safe for the moment, Lucie feels apprehensive and is still fearful he will be killed. Lucie and her husband stay in the lodge, living modestly. Not wanting to attract attention, they send Miss Pross and Jerry Cruncher to do the shopping for the family. They wonder how soon it will be safe for them to leave Paris.

One day Darnay, Lucie and the Doctor are sitting silently waiting for Mr. Lorry when a loud knock is heard at the door. The Doctor opens the door to four rough men in red caps. They have come to arrest Charles Darnay. He has been denounced in the region of St. Antoine by the Defarges and a third man whom they do not identify. When asked by the Doctor what the identity of the third man is, they look surprised and wonder why he, of all people, is asking. They do not reveal his identity and merely say that they will learn everything at the trial the next day.

Notes

After the release of Charles Darnay, the family lives in a threatening atmosphere. This is reinforced by Lucie's premonitions. She has visions that Charles is among those condemned to die at the guillotine. As a result, the Darnays do not venture outdoors or dare to plan their return to England. Either is too dangerous.

Dr. Manette's joy over rescuing Darnay is short-lived. He simply cannot outwit the latent negative power of the revolutionaries, especially that of Madame Defarge. The ominous knock on the door fills Lucie's heart with terror. Her fears have come true. Darnay is re-arrested. His accusers are the Defarges and the a third unnamed man. The chapter ends with tension and suspense.

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