Monseigneur is a great lord in the royal court who holds a reception in Paris
Monseigneur surrounds himself with luxury and is known for corrupting those around him with his wealth
The Marquis Evrémonde is a guest at the reception and is offended by Monseigneur's haughtiness
The Marquis orders his carriage to be raced through the city streets, nearly running over commoners
The carriage hits and kills a child, and the Marquis tosses a few coins to the child's father and to Defarge, the owner of a wine shop, before driving away
A coin is thrown back into the carriage, and the Marquis curses the commoners, saying he would willingly ride over them
Madame Defarge watches the scene and is seen knitting
