Darnay is surrounded by the Manettes, Mr. Lorry, and Mr. Stryver as the last person exits the courtroom. They are congratulating him on his acquittal.
Doctor Manette no longer physically resembles the captive shoemaker that was rescued five years ago. However, there is a profound grief that shadows his eyes. His daughter is the only one that can extinguish this cloud. She connects him to happier times in the past and present.
Darnay expresses his gratitude.
Mr. Lorry suggests that they all go home. Lucie is ill, and all are worn out from the stressful day. Stryver says he still has more work to do. Doctor Manette is looking at Mr. Darnay with a mixture of dislike, distrust, and fear. Lucie suggests they go home, and he agrees.
The group disperses. The Manettes go home. Mr. Stryver returns to the robing room. Mr. Carton watches from the shadows, and then emerges to call out to Mr. Lorry and Mr. Darnay. He is slightly drunk. He makes a snide remark about the mind of businessmen, which angers Mr. Lorry. Lorry excuses himself.
Carton takes Darnay to a tavern to dine. As Carton converses, Darnay finds him disagreeable, but he has to remind himself that the man helped in acquitting him. Carton comments that it must have been worth facing the gallows to earn the compassion of such a fine lady as Miss Manette. She was pleased to get Darnay’s message.
Mr. Carton asks Darnay if he thinks that he likes him. Darnay says he never considered the question. Carton asks for his impression. Darnay says that Carton acted as if he liked him, but he doesn’t think Carton does. Carton congratulates him on his astuteness.
Darnay says he hopes they can part well, and Carton agrees. He asks Darnay if he thinks he is drunk, and Darnay says yes. Carton mutters that he doesn’t like Darnay because Darnay reminds him of himself—and he doesn’t like himself.