Charles Darnay, the nephew of the Marquis, arrives at the Marquis' chateau by carriage
Darnay tells his uncle that he wants to renounce his title and property that he will inherit upon the Marquis' death, saying that the family name is associated with fear and slavery and that the family has consistently acted shamefully
The Marquis dismisses Darnay's protest and urges him to accept his "natural destiny"
The next morning, the Marquis is found dead with a knife through his heart and a note that reads "Drive him fast to his tomb. This, from Jacques."