Mr. Lorry speaks to Dr. Manette about his relapse in a way that suggests he speaks of someone else’s relapse; however, both men understand that Mr. Lorry speaks of Dr. Manette. When Mr. Lorry asks Dr. Manette what he believes brought on this attack, what does Dr. Manette say was the cause?
Mr. Lorry frames the question by pretending the affliction happened to somebody else and now he seeks Dr. Manette's advice.
"I believe," returned Doctor Manette, "that there had been a strong and extraordinary revival of the train of thought and remembrance that was the first cause of the malady. Some intense associations of a most distressing nature were vividly recalled, I think. It is probable that there had long been a dread lurking in his mind, that those associations would be recalled—say, under certain circumstances—say, on a particular occasion. He tried to prepare himself in vain; perhaps the effort to prepare himself made him less able to bear it."
