After reading · Part III · Chapter 13

Part III · Chapter 13The Exchange

Reading boundary Start: In the black prison of the Conciergerie, the doomed of the day awaited their fate. Stop after: but, so far, we are pursued by nothing else.

Summary

Darnay writes farewell letters, unaware that Carton is in Paris. Carton enters with Barsad, claims to bring an urgent request from Lucie, and compels Darnay to follow his instructions. While Darnay writes a dictated message to Lucie, Carton uses the purchased vapour to render him unconscious, exchanges clothes with him, and has Barsad carry him out as Carton. Carton remains to take Darnay’s place.

The seamstress recognizes that the man beside her is not Darnay and understands his sacrifice; she asks to hold his hand on the journey. Meanwhile Lorry’s carriage leaves Paris with the insensible Darnay, the collapsed Doctor, Lucie, her child, and the others. Officials inspect and count the passengers at the barrier but let them pass. As the carriage races onward, the travellers anxiously watch for pursuit, but none has yet appeared.

Who’s who

Sydney Carton — Exchanges places with Darnay and remains among the condemned.
Charles Darnay — Drugged and removed from prison under Carton’s identity.
The seamstress — A young condemned prisoner who recognizes and draws courage from Carton.
John Barsad — Provides prison access and carries out the unconscious Darnay.
Mr. Lorry — Leads the family’s carriage through the Paris barrier.