In this whispered conversation that Mr. Lorry has with Monsieur
Defarge, out of the hearing of Lucie, Mr. Lorry is able to establish certain facts concerning the
health of Dr. Manette, none of which reassure him. He is told that Dr. Manette is alone "of his
own necessity" for his safety. However, most revealing is Monsieur Defarge's response to the
question if Dr. Manette is "greatly changed." He utters "Changed!" and then accompanies this
verbal ejaculation with strange body language:
The keeper of the wine-shop stopped to strike the wall
with his hand, and mutter a tremendous curse. No direct answer could have been half so
forcible.
So, although no precise
details are given regarding the state of health of Dr. Manette, it is clear that the way in which
Monsieur Defarge responds to the questions of Mr. Lorry indicates that Dr. Manette's state of
mind is very poor indeed.
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