After reading · Part III · Chapter 14

Part III · Chapter 14The Knitting Ends

Reading boundary Start: In that same juncture of time when the Fifty-Two awaited their fate Stop after: And indeed she never did.

Summary

Madame Defarge tells the Vengeance and Jacques Three that she will catch Lucie mourning a prisoner and use the wood-sawyer’s testimony to condemn the whole family. Defarge has urged restraint for the Doctor’s sake, but his wife regards the Evrémonde line as her personal enemy and intends to pursue it alone before joining them at the execution.

Miss Pross remains behind to conceal the family’s departure and plans to meet Jerry at the cathedral. Madame Defarge arrives and searches for Lucie. Though neither woman understands the other’s words, Miss Pross grasps the danger and bars her way. They struggle; Madame Defarge’s pistol discharges, killing her. The shot permanently deafens Miss Pross. She locks the room, discards the key, reaches Jerry, and leaves in her mourning veil without telling him what happened.

Who’s who

Madame Defarge — Pursues vengeance against Lucie and the entire Evrémonde line.
Miss Pross — Protects Lucie’s escape by confronting Madame Defarge.
The Vengeance — Madame Defarge’s companion, expecting to meet her at the guillotine.
Jacques Three — A bloodthirsty juryman supporting further denunciations.
Jerry Cruncher — Waits to take Miss Pross away from Paris.