`You knit with great skill, madame.'

head-dress, before she looked at the figure.

It was curious. The moment Madame Defarge took up the rose, the customers ceased talking, and began gradually to drop out of the wine-shop.

`Good day, madame,' said the new comer.

`Good day, monsieur.'

She said it aloud, but added to herself as she resumed her knitting: `Hah! Good day, age about forty, height about five feet nine, black hair, generally rather handsome visage, complexion dark, eyes dark, thin long and sallow face, aquiline nose but not straight, having a peculiar inclination towards the left cheek which imparts a sinister expression! Good day, one and all!'

`Have the goodness to give me a little glass of old cognac, and a mouthful of cool fresh water, madame.'

Madame complied with a polite air.

`Marvellous cognac this, madame!'

It was the first time it had ever been so complimented, and Madame Defarge knew enough of its antecedents to know better. She said, however, that the cognac was flattered, and took up her knitting. The visitor watched her fingers for a few moments, and took the opportunity of observing the place in general.

`You knit with great skill, madame.'

`I am accustomed to it.'

`A pretty pattern too!'

`You think so?' said madame, looking at him with a smile.

`Decidedly. May one ask what it is for?'

`Pastime,' said madame, still looking at him with a smile, while her fingers moved nimbly.

`Not for use?'