Sydney Carton visits the newlyweds when they return home to offer his congratulations. He pulls Charles Darnay aside to speak privately with him. He wishes them to be true friends, and he regrets their last encounter after Darnay’s trial. Darnay tells him he never thought about the incident, and he is only grateful to Carton for his role in freeing him.
Carton admits that he hadn’t cared about Darnay’s fate at the time. He tells Darnay that he is a flawed man, and there is not much hope for him. He asks Darnay’s tolerance in allowing him to visit despite this. He promises not to abuse the privilege. Darnay agrees.
Darnay later mentions this meeting to his wife, Miss Pross, the Doctor, and Mr. Lorry. He remarks on Carton’s careless demeanor, though it is an observation rather than a criticism.
Later, Lucie asks him to promise not to question her about a particular thing. He agrees. She tells him that Mr. Carton deserves more consideration and respect despite his character. Darnay asks why, and she tells him that is the question he cannot ask. She begs him to be generous and lenient with Mr. Carton. She believes he is a deeply wounded man, and that is why he cannot reveal his emotions to others.
Darnay regrets wronging him, though he has never considered him in this light. Lucie admits that Carton cannot be reclaimed, but she believes he is capable of doing great good. She says that as blessed as they are in their happiness that is how deep he is in his misery. Darnay promises to always to keep this in mind.