At first, he considers going to Defarge. However, he knows that Defarge lives in the most violent quarter and is no doubt entrenched in the activities there. He obtains lodgings in a deserted neighborhood for Lucie. He leaves his bodyguard Jerry with Lucie.
A man comes to him at Tellsons in the evening, saying he was sent by Dr. Manette. Mr. Defarge hands him a message from the doctor. It tells him that Charles is safe, and that Defarge has a letter from him for Lucie. He directs Mr. Lorry to take Mr. Defarge to her. Defarge is very mechanical and aloof. He is soon joined by his wife and The Vengeance. Mr. Lorry becomes more uneasy by them.
Lucie is overjoyed by the message but frightened by Madame Defarge, who is very frosty. Mr. Lorry tells her they are there to know her face to protect her from the mob. Lucie begs Madame Defarge, who is there on behalf of Dr. Manette, to be merciful to her husband. Madame Defarge tells her they have watched the suffering of women for a long time whose husbands were taken away to rot in prison and their children die from starvation. Why should her troubles bother them after bearing such deprivation for a long time?
Lucie is troubled by Madame Defarge. Mr. Lorry tries to console her, but he harbors his own fears.