CHAPTERVI
　　WHICHPOSSIBLYPROVESBOULATRUELLE’SINTELLIGENCE
　　OntheafternoonofthatsameChristmasDay，1823，amanhadwalkedforratheralongtimeinthemostdesertedpartoftheBoulevarddel’HopitalinParis。Thismanhadtheairofapersonwhoisseekinglodgings，andheseemedtohalt，bypreference，atthemostmodesthousesonthatdilapidatedborderofthefaubourgSaint—Marceau。
　　Weshallseefurtheronthatthismanhad，infact，hiredachamberinthatisolatedquarter。
　　Thisman，inhisattire，asinallhisperson，realizedthetypeofwhatmaybecalledthewell—bredmendicant，——extremewretchednesscombinedwithextremecleanliness。Thisisaveryraremixturewhichinspiresintelligentheartswiththatdoublerespectwhichonefeelsforthemanwhoisverypoor，andforthemanwhoisveryworthy。
　　Heworeaveryoldandverywellbrushedroundhat；acoarsecoat，wornperfectlythreadbare，ofanochreyellow，acolorthatwasnotintheleasteccentricatthatepoch；alargewaistcoatwithpocketsofavenerablecut；blackbreeches，worngrayattheknee，stockingsofblackworsted；andthickshoeswithcopperbuckles。
　　Hewouldhavebeenpronouncedapreceptorinsomegoodfamily，returnedfromtheemigration。Hewouldhavebeentakenformorethansixtyyearsofage，fromhisperfectlywhitehair，hiswrinkledbrow，hislividlips，andhiscountenance，whereeverythingbreatheddepressionandwearinessoflife。Judgingfromhisfirmtread，fromthesingularvigorwhichstampedallhismovements，hewouldhavehardlybeenthoughtfifty。Thewrinklesonhisbrowwerewellplaced，andwouldhavedisposedinhisfavoranyonewhoobservedhimattentively。Hislipcontractedwithastrangefoldwhichseemedsevere，andwhichwashumble。Therewasinthedepthofhisglanceanindescribablemelancholyserenity。
　　Inhislefthandhecarriedalittlebundletiedupinahandkerchief；
　　inhisrightheleanedonasortofacudgel，cutfromsomehedge。
　　Thisstickhadbeencarefullytrimmed，andhadanairthatwasnottoothreatening；themosthadbeenmadeofitsknots，andithadreceivedacoral—likehead，madefromredwax:itwasacudgel，anditseemedtobeacane。
　　Therearebutfewpassers—byonthatboulevard，particularlyinthewinter。Themanseemedtoavoidthemratherthantoseekthem，butthiswithoutanyaffectation。
　　Atthatepoch，KingLouisXVIII。wentnearlyeverydaytoChoisy—le—Roi:itwasoneofhisfavoriteexcursions。Towardstwoo’clock，almostinvariably，theroyalcarriageandcavalcadewasseentopassatfullspeedalongtheBoulevarddel’Hopital。
　　Thisservedinlieuofawatchorclocktothepoorwomenofthequarterwhosaid，"Itistwoo’clock；thereheisreturningtotheTuileries。"
　　Andsomerushedforward，andothersdrewupinline，forapassingkingalwayscreatesatumult；besides，theappearanceanddisappearanceofLouisXVIII。producedacertaineffectinthestreetsofParis。
　　Itwasrapidbutmajestic。Thisimpotentkinghadatasteforafastgallop；ashewasnotabletowalk，hewishedtorun:thatcripplewouldgladlyhavehadhimselfdrawnbythelightning。Hepassed，pacificandsevere，inthemidstofnakedswords。Hismassivecouch，allcoveredwithgilding，withgreatbranchesofliliespaintedonthepanels，thunderednoisilyalong。Therewashardlytimetocastaglanceuponit。Intherearangleontherighttherewasvisibleontuftedcushionsofwhitesatinalarge，firm，andruddyface，abrowfreshlypowderedal’oiseauroyal，aproud，hard，craftyeye，thesmileofaneducatedman，twogreatepauletswithbullionfringefloatingoverabourgeoiscoat，theGoldenFleece，thecrossofSaintLouis，thecrossoftheLegionofHonor，thesilverplaqueoftheSaint—Esprit，ahugebelly，andawideblueribbon:
　　itwastheking。OutsideofParis，heheldhishatdeckedwithwhiteostrichplumesonhiskneesenwrappedinhighEnglishgaiters；
　　whenhere—enteredthecity，heputonhishatandsalutedrarely；
　　hestaredcoldlyatthepeople，andtheyreturneditinkind。
　　WhenheappearedforthefirsttimeintheSaint—Marceauquarter，thewholesuccesswhichheproducediscontainedinthisremarkofaninhabitantofthefaubourgtohiscomrade，"Thatbigfellowyonderisthegovernment。"
　　Thisinfalliblepassageofthekingatthesamehourwas，therefore，thedailyeventoftheBoulevarddel’Hopital。
　　Thepromenaderintheyellowcoatevidentlydidnotbelonginthequarter，andprobablydidnotbelonginParis，forhewasignorantastothisdetail。When，attwoo’clock，theroyalcarriage，surroundedbyasquadronofthebody—guardallcoveredwithsilverlace，debouchedontheboulevard，afterhavingmadetheturnoftheSalpetriere，heappearedsurprisedandalmostalarmed。
　　Therewasnoonebuthimselfinthiscross—lane。Hedrewuphastilybehindthecornerofthewallofanenclosure，thoughthisdidnotpreventM。leDucdeHavrefromspyinghimout。
　　M。leDucdeHavre，ascaptainoftheguardondutythatday，wasseatedinthecarriage，oppositetheking。HesaidtohisMajesty，"Yonderisanevil—lookingman。"Membersofthepolice，whowereclearingtheking’sroute，tookequalnoteofhim:
　　oneofthemreceivedanordertofollowhim。Butthemanplungedintothedesertedlittlestreetsofthefaubourg，andastwilightwasbeginningtofall，theagentlosttraceofhim，asisstatedinareportaddressedthatsameeveningtoM。leComted’Angles，MinisterofState，PrefectofPolice。
　　Whenthemanintheyellowcoathadthrowntheagentoffhistrack，heredoubledhispace，notwithoutturningroundmanyatimetoassurehimselfthathewasnotbeingfollowed。Ataquarter—pastfour，thatistosay，whennightwasfullycome，hepassedinfrontofthetheatreofthePorteSaint—Martin，whereTheTwoConvictswasbeingplayedthatday。Thisposter，illuminatedbythetheatrelanterns，struckhim；for，althoughhewaswalkingrapidly，hehaltedtoreadit。
　　AninstantlaterhewasintheblindalleyofLaPlanchette，andheenteredthePlatd’Etain[thePewterPlatter]，wheretheofficeofthecoachforLagnywasthensituated。Thiscoachsetoutathalf—pastfour。Thehorseswereharnessed，andthetravellers，summonedbythecoachman，werehastilyclimbingtheloftyironladderofthevehicle。
　　Themaninquired:——
　　"Haveyouaplace？"
　　"Onlyone——besidemeonthebox，"saidthecoachman。
　　"Iwilltakeit。"
　　"Climbup。"
　　Nevertheless，beforesettingout，thecoachmancastaglanceatthetraveller’sshabbydress，atthediminutivesizeofhisbundle，andmadehimpayhisfare。
　　"AreyougoingasfarasLagny？"demandedthecoachman。
　　"Yes，"saidtheman。
　　ThetravellerpaidtoLagny。
　　Theystarted。Whentheyhadpassedthebarrier，thecoachmantriedtoenterintoconversation，butthetravelleronlyrepliedinmonosyllables。Thecoachmantooktowhistlingandswearingathishorses。
　　Thecoachmanwrappedhimselfupinhiscloak。Itwascold。
　　Themandidnotappeartobethinkingofthat。ThustheypassedGournayandNeuilly—sur—Marne。
　　Towardssixo’clockintheeveningtheyreachedChelles。Thecoachmandrewupinfrontofthecarters’inninstalledintheancientbuildingsoftheRoyalAbbey，togivehishorsesabreathingspell。
　　"Igetdownhere，"saidtheman。
　　Hetookhisbundleandhiscudgelandjumpeddownfromthevehicle。
　　Aninstantlaterhehaddisappeared。
　　Hedidnotentertheinn。
　　WhenthecoachsetoutforLagnyafewminuteslater，itdidnotencounterhimintheprincipalstreetofChelles。
　　Thecoachmanturnedtotheinsidetravellers。
　　"There，"saidhe，"isamanwhodoesnotbelonghere，forIdonotknowhim。Hehadnottheairofowningasou，buthedoesnotconsidermoney；hepaystoLagny，andhegoesonlyasfarasChelles。
　　Itisnight；allthehousesareshut；hedoesnotentertheinn，andheisnottobefound。Sohehasdivedthroughtheearth。"
　　Themanhadnotplungedintotheearth，buthehadgonewithgreatstridesthroughthedark，downtheprincipalstreetofChelles，thenhehadturnedtotherightbeforereachingthechurch，intothecross—roadleadingtoMontfermeil，likeapersonwhowasacquaintedwiththecountryandhadbeentherebefore。
　　Hefollowedthisroadrapidly。Atthespotwhereitisintersectedbytheancienttree—borderedroadwhichrunsfromGagnytoLagny，heheardpeoplecoming。Heconcealedhimselfprecipitatelyinaditch，andtherewaiteduntilthepassers—bywereatadistance。
　　Theprecautionwasnearlysuperfluous，however；for，aswehavealreadysaid，itwasaverydarkDecembernight。Notmorethantwoorthreestarswerevisibleinthesky。
　　Itisatthispointthattheascentofthehillbegins。ThemandidnotreturntotheroadtoMontfermeil；hestruckacrossthefieldstotheright，andenteredtheforestwithlongstrides。
　　Onceintheforestheslackenedhispace，andbeganacarefulexaminationofallthetrees，advancing，stepbystep，asthoughseekingandfollowingamysteriousroadknowntohimselfalone。
　　Therecameamomentwhenheappearedtolosehimself，andhepausedinindecision。Atlasthearrived，bydintoffeelinghiswayinchbyinch，ataclearingwheretherewasagreatheapofwhitishstones。
　　Hesteppedupbrisklytothesestones，andexaminedthemattentivelythroughthemistsofnight，asthoughhewerepassingtheminreview。
　　Alargetree，coveredwiththoseexcrescenceswhicharethewartsofvegetation，stoodafewpacesdistantfromthepileofstones。
　　Hewentuptothistreeandpassedhishandoverthebarkofthetrunk，asthoughseekingtorecognizeandcountallthewarts。
　　Oppositethistree，whichwasanash，therewasachestnut—tree，sufferingfromapeelingofthebark，towhichabandofzinchadbeennailedbywayofdressing。Heraisedhimselfontiptoeandtouchedthisbandofzinc。
　　Thenhetrodaboutforawhileonthegroundcomprisedinthespacebetweenthetreeandtheheapofstones，likeapersonwhoistryingtoassurehimselfthatthesoilhasnotrecentlybeendisturbed。
　　Thatdone，hetookhisbearings，andresumedhismarchthroughtheforest。
　　ItwasthemanwhohadjustmetCosette。
　　AshewalkedthroughthethicketinthedirectionofMontfermeil，hehadespiedthattinyshadowmovingwithagroan，depositingaburdenontheground，thentakingitupandsettingoutagain。
　　Hedrewnear，andperceivedthatitwasaveryyoungchild，ladenwithanenormousbucketofwater。Thenheapproachedthechild，andsilentlygraspedthehandleofthebucket。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　COSETTESIDEBYSIDEWITHTHESTRANGERINTHEDARK
　　Cosette，aswehavesaid，wasnotfrightened。
　　Themanaccostedher。Hespokeinavoicethatwasgraveandalmostbass。
　　"Mychild，whatyouarecarryingisveryheavyforyou。"
　　Cosetteraisedherheadandreplied:——
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　"Giveittome，"saidtheman；"Iwillcarryitforyou。"
　　Cosetteletgoofthebucket—handle。Themanwalkedalongbesideher。
　　"Itreallyisveryheavy，"hemutteredbetweenhisteeth。
　　Thenheadded:——
　　"Howoldareyou，littleone？"
　　"Eight，sir。"
　　"Andhaveyoucomefromfarlikethis？"
　　"Fromthespringintheforest。"
　　"Areyougoingfar？"
　　"Agoodquarterofanhour’swalkfromhere。"
　　Themansaidnothingforamoment；thenheremarkedabruptly:——
　　"Soyouhavenomother。"
　　"Idon’tknow，"answeredthechild。
　　Beforethemanhadtimetospeakagain，sheadded:——
　　"Idon’tthinkso。Otherpeoplehavemothers。Ihavenone。"
　　Andafterasilenceshewenton:——
　　"IthinkthatIneverhadany。"
　　Themanhalted；hesetthebucketontheground，bentdownandplacedbothhandsonthechild’sshoulders，makinganefforttolookatherandtoseeherfaceinthedark。
　　Cosette’sthinandsicklyfacewasvaguelyoutlinedbythelividlightinthesky。
　　"Whatisyourname？"saidtheman。
　　"Cosette。"
　　Themanseemedtohavereceivedanelectricshock。Helookedatheroncemore；thenheremovedhishandsfromCosette’sshoulders，seizedthebucket，andsetoutagain。
　　Afteramomentheinquired:——
　　"Wheredoyoulive，littleone？"
　　"AtMontfermeil，ifyouknowwherethatis。"
　　"Thatiswherewearegoing？"
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　Hepaused；thenbeganagain:——
　　"Whosentyouatsuchanhourtogetwaterintheforest？"
　　"ItwasMadameThenardier。"
　　Themanresumed，inavoicewhichhestrovetorenderindifferent，butinwhichtherewas，nevertheless，asingulartremor:——
　　"WhatdoesyourMadameThenardierdo？"
　　"Sheismymistress，"saidthechild。"Shekeepstheinn。"
　　"Theinn？"saidtheman。"Well，Iamgoingtolodgethereto—night。
　　Showmetheway。"
　　"Weareonthewaythere，"saidthechild。
　　Themanwalkedtolerablyfast。Cosettefollowedhimwithoutdifficulty。
　　Shenolongerfeltanyfatigue。Fromtimetotimesheraisedhereyestowardstheman，withasortoftranquillityandanindescribableconfidence。ShehadneverbeentaughttoturntoProvidenceandtopray；nevertheless，shefeltwithinhersomethingwhichresembledhopeandjoy，andwhichmountedtowardsheaven。
　　Severalminuteselapsed。Themanresumed:——
　　"IstherenoservantinMadameThenardier’shouse？"
　　"No，sir。"
　　"Areyoualonethere？"
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　Anotherpauseensued。Cosettelifteduphervoice:——
　　"Thatistosay，therearetwolittlegirls。"
　　"Whatlittlegirls？"
　　"PonineandZelma。"
　　ThiswasthewaythechildsimplifiedtheromanticnamessodeartothefemaleThenardier。
　　"WhoarePonineandZelma？"
　　"TheyareMadameThenardier’syoungladies；herdaughters，asyouwouldsay。"
　　"Andwhatdothosegirlsdo？"
　　"Oh！"saidthechild，"theyhavebeautifuldolls；thingswithgoldinthem，allfullofaffairs。Theyplay；theyamusethemselves。"
　　"Alldaylong？"
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　"Andyou？"
　　"I？Iwork。"
　　"Alldaylong？"
　　Thechildraisedhergreateyes，inwhichhungatear，whichwasnotvisiblebecauseofthedarkness，andrepliedgently:——
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　Afteranintervalofsilenceshewenton:——
　　"Sometimes，whenIhavefinishedmyworkandtheyletme，Iamusemyself，too。"
　　"Howdoyouamuseyourself？"
　　"InthebestwayIcan。Theyletmealone；butIhavenotmanyplaythings。PonineandZelmawillnotletmeplaywiththeirdolls。Ihaveonlyalittleleadsword，nolongerthanthat。"
　　Thechildhelduphertinyfinger。
　　"Anditwillnotcut？"
　　"Yes，sir，"saidthechild；"itcutssaladandtheheadsofflies。"
　　Theyreachedthevillage。Cosetteguidedthestrangerthroughthestreets。Theypassedthebakeshop，butCosettedidnotthinkofthebreadwhichshehadbeenorderedtofetch。Themanhadceasedtoplyherwithquestions，andnowpreservedagloomysilence。
　　Whentheyhadleftthechurchbehindthem，theman，onperceivingalltheopen—airbooths，askedCosette:——
　　"Sothereisafairgoingonhere？"
　　"No，sir；itisChristmas。"
　　Astheyapproachedthetavern，Cosettetimidlytouchedhisarm:——
　　"Monsieur？"
　　"What，mychild？"
　　"Wearequitenearthehouse。"
　　"Well？"
　　"Willyouletmetakemybucketnow？"
　　"Why？"
　　"IfMadameseesthatsomeonehascarrieditforme，shewillbeatme。"
　　Themanhandedherthebucket。Aninstantlatertheywereatthetaverndoor。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　THEUNPLEASANTNESSOFRECEIVINGINTOONE’SHOUSEAPOORMANWHO
　　MAYBEARICHMAN
　　Cosettecouldnotrefrainfromcastingasidelongglanceatthebigdoll，whichwasstilldisplayedatthetoy—merchant’s；thensheknocked。
　　Thedooropened。TheThenardierappearedwithacandleinherhand。
　　"Ah！soit’syou，youlittlewretch！goodmercy，butyou’vetakenyourtime！Thehussyhasbeenamusingherself！"
　　"Madame，"saidCosette，tremblingallover，"here’sagentlemanwhowantsalodging。"
　　TheThenardierspeedilyreplacedhergruffairbyheramiablegrimace，achangeofaspectcommontotavern—keepers，andeagerlysoughtthenew—comerwithhereyes。
　　"Thisisthegentleman？"saidshe。
　　"Yes，Madame，"repliedtheman，raisinghishandtohishat。
　　Wealthytravellersarenotsopolite。Thisgesture，andaninspectionofthestranger’scostumeandbaggage，whichtheThenardierpassedinreviewwithoneglance，causedtheamiablegrimacetovanish，andthegruffmientoreappear。Sheresumeddryly:——
　　"Enter，mygoodman。"
　　The"goodman"entered。TheThenardiercastasecondglanceathim，paidparticularattentiontohisfrock—coat，whichwasabsolutelythreadbare，andtohishat，whichwasalittlebattered，and，tossingherhead，wrinklinghernose，andscrewinguphereyes，sheconsultedherhusband，whowasstilldrinkingwiththecarters。
　　Thehusbandrepliedbythatimperceptiblemovementoftheforefinger，which，backedupbyaninflationofthelips，signifiesinsuchcases:
　　Aregularbeggar。Thereupon，theThenardierexclaimed:——
　　"Ah！seehere，mygoodman；Iamverysorry，butIhavenoroomleft。"
　　"Putmewhereyoulike，"saidtheman；"intheattic，inthestable。
　　IwillpayasthoughIoccupiedaroom。"
　　"Fortysous。"
　　"Fortysous；agreed。"
　　"Verywell，then！"
　　"Fortysous！"saidacarter，inalowtone，totheThenardierwoman；
　　"why，thechargeisonlytwentysous！"
　　"Itisfortyinhiscase，"retortedtheThenardier，inthesametone。
　　"Idon’tlodgepoorfolksforless。"
　　"That’strue，"addedherhusband，gently；"itruinsahousetohavesuchpeopleinit。"
　　Inthemeantime，theman，layinghisbundleandhiscudgelonabench，hadseatedhimselfatatable，onwhichCosettemadehastetoplaceabottleofwineandaglass。Themerchantwhohaddemandedthebucketofwatertookittohishorsehimself。
　　Cosetteresumedherplaceunderthekitchentable，andherknitting。
　　Theman，whohadbarelymoistenedhislipsinthewinewhichhehadpouredoutforhimself，observedthechildwithpeculiarattention。
　　Cosettewasugly。Ifshehadbeenhappy，shemighthavebeenpretty。
　　Wehavealreadygivenasketchofthatsombrelittlefigure。
　　Cosettewasthinandpale；shewasnearlyeightyearsold，butsheseemedtobehardlysix。Herlargeeyes，sunkeninasortofshadow，werealmostputoutwithweeping。Thecornersofhermouthhadthatcurveofhabitualanguishwhichisseenincondemnedpersonsanddesperatelysickpeople。Herhandswere，ashermotherhaddivined，"ruinedwithchilblains。"Thefirewhichilluminatedheratthatmomentbroughtintoreliefalltheanglesofherbones，andrenderedherthinnessfrightfullyapparent。Asshewasalwaysshivering，shehadacquiredthehabitofpressingherkneesoneagainsttheother。
　　Herentireclothingwasbutaragwhichwouldhaveinspiredpityinsummer，andwhichinspiredhorrorinwinter。Allshehadonwashole—riddenlinen，notascrapofwoollen。Herskinwasvisiblehereandthereandeverywhereblackandbluespotscouldbedescried，whichmarkedtheplaceswheretheThenardierwomanhadtouchedher。
　　Hernakedlegswerethinandred。Thehollowsinherneckwereenoughtomakeoneweep。Thischild’swholeperson，hermien，herattitude，thesoundofhervoice，theintervalswhichsheallowedtoelapsebetweenonewordandthenext，herglance，hersilence，herslightestgesture，expressedandbetrayedonesoleidea，——fear。
　　Fearwasdiffusedalloverher；shewascoveredwithit，sotospeak；
　　feardrewherelbowsclosetoherhips，withdrewherheelsunderherpetticoat，madeheroccupyaslittlespaceaspossible，allowedheronlythebreaththatwasabsolutelynecessary，andhadbecomewhatmightbecalledthehabitofherbody，admittingofnopossiblevariationexceptanincrease。Inthedepthsofhereyestherewasanastonishednookwhereterrorlurked。
　　Herfearwassuch，thatonherarrival，wetasshewas，Cosettedidnotdaretoapproachthefireanddryherself，butsatsilentlydowntoherworkagain。
　　Theexpressionintheglanceofthatchildofeightyearswashabituallysogloomy，andattimessotragic，thatitseemedatcertainmomentsasthoughshewereonthevergeofbecominganidiotorademon。
　　Aswehavestated，shehadneverknownwhatitistopray；shehadneversetfootinachurch。"HaveIthetime？"saidtheThenardier。
　　ThemanintheyellowcoatnevertookhiseyesfromCosette。
　　Allatonce，theThenardierexclaimed:——
　　"Bytheway，where’sthatbread？"
　　Cosette，accordingtohercustomwhenevertheThenardierupliftedhervoice，emergedwithgreathastefrombeneaththetable。
　　Shehadcompletelyforgottenthebread。Shehadrecoursetotheexpedientofchildrenwholiveinaconstantstateoffear。
　　Shelied。
　　"Madame，thebaker’sshopwasshut。"
　　"Youshouldhaveknocked。"
　　"Ididknock，Madame。"
　　"Well？"
　　"Hedidnotopenthedoor。"
　　"I’llfindoutto—morrowwhetherthatistrue，"saidtheThenardier；
　　"andifyouaretellingmealie，I’llleadyouaprettydance。
　　Inthemeantime，givemebackmyfifteen—soupiece。"
　　Cosetteplungedherhandintothepocketofherapron，andturnedgreen。
　　Thefifteen—soupiecewasnotthere。
　　"Ah，comenow，"saidMadameThenardier，"didyouhearme？"
　　Cosetteturnedherpocketinsideout；therewasnothinginit。
　　Whatcouldhavebecomeofthatmoney？Theunhappylittlecreaturecouldnotfindawordtosay。Shewaspetrified。
　　"Haveyoulostthatfifteen—soupiece？"screamedtheThenardier，hoarsely，"ordoyouwanttorobmeofit？"
　　Atthesametime，shestretchedoutherarmtowardsthecat—o’—nine—tailswhichhungonanailinthechimney—corner。
　　ThisformidablegesturerestoredtoCosettesufficientstrengthtoshriek:——
　　"Mercy，Madame，Madame！Iwillnotdosoanymore！"
　　TheThenardiertookdownthewhip。
　　Inthemeantime，themanintheyellowcoathadbeenfumblinginthefobofhiswaistcoat，withoutanyonehavingnoticedhismovements。
　　Besides，theothertravellersweredrinkingorplayingcards，andwerenotpayingattentiontoanything。
　　Cosettecontractedherselfintoaball，withanguish，withintheangleofthechimney，endeavoringtogatherupandconcealherpoorhalf—nudelimbs。TheThenardierraisedherarm。
　　"Pardonme，Madame，"saidtheman，"butjustnowIcaughtsightofsomethingwhichhadfallenfromthislittleone’sapronpocket，androlledaside。Perhapsthisisit。"
　　Atthesametimehebentdownandseemedtobesearchingonthefloorforamoment。
　　"Exactly；hereitis，"hewenton，straighteninghimselfup。
　　AndheheldoutasilvercointotheThenardier。
　　"Yes，that’sit，"saidshe。
　　Itwasnotit，foritwasatwenty—soupiece；buttheThenardierfoundittoheradvantage。Sheputthecoininherpocket，andconfinedherselftocastingafierceglanceatthechild，accompaniedwiththeremark，"Don’tletthiseverhappenagain！"
　　CosettereturnedtowhattheThenardiercalled"herkennel，"
　　andherlargeeyes，whichwererivetedonthetraveller，begantotakeonanexpressionsuchastheyhadneverwornbefore。
　　Thusfaritwasonlyaninnocentamazement，butasortofstupefiedconfidencewasmingledwithit。
　　"Bytheway，wouldyoulikesomesupper？"theThenardierinquiredofthetraveller。
　　Hemadenoreply。Heappearedtobeabsorbedinthought。
　　"Whatsortofamanisthat？"shemutteredbetweenherteeth。
　　"He’ssomefrightfullypoorwretch。Hehasn’tasoutopayforasupper。Willheevenpaymeforhislodging？It’sverylucky，allthesame，thatitdidnotoccurtohimtostealthemoneythatwasonthefloor。"
　　Inthemeantime，adoorhadopened，andEponineandAzelmaentered。
　　Theyweretworeallyprettylittlegirls，morebourgeoisthanpeasantinlooks，andverycharming；theonewithshiningchestnuttresses，theotherwithlongblackbraidshangingdownherback，bothvivacious，neat，plump，rosy，andhealthy，andadelighttotheeye。Theywerewarmlyclad，butwithsomuchmaternalartthatthethicknessofthestuffsdidnotdetractfromthecoquetryofarrangement。Therewasahintofwinter，thoughthespringtimewasnotwhollyeffaced。Lightemanatedfromthesetwolittlebeings。
　　Besidesthis，theywereonthethrone。Intheirtoilettes，intheirgayety，inthenoisewhichtheymade，therewassovereignty。
　　Whentheyentered，theThenardiersaidtotheminagrumblingtonewhichwasfullofadoration，"Ah！thereyouare，youchildren！"
　　Thendrawingthem，oneaftertheothertoherknees，smoothingtheirhair，tyingtheirribbonsafresh，andthenreleasingthemwiththatgentlemannerofshakingoffwhichispeculiartomothers，sheexclaimed，"Whatfrightstheyare！"
　　Theywentandseatedthemselvesinthechimney—corner。Theyhadadoll，whichtheyturnedoverandoverontheirkneeswithallsortsofjoyouschatter。FromtimetotimeCosetteraisedhereyesfromherknitting，andwatchedtheirplaywithamelancholyair。
　　EponineandAzelmadidnotlookatCosette。Shewasthesameasadogtothem。Thesethreelittlegirlsdidnotyetreckonupfourandtwentyyearsbetweenthem，buttheyalreadyrepresentedthewholesocietyofman；envyontheoneside，disdainontheother。
　　ThedolloftheThenardiersisterswasverymuchfaded，veryold，andmuchbroken；butitseemednonethelessadmirabletoCosette，whohadneverhadadollinherlife，arealdoll，tomakeuseoftheexpressionwhichallchildrenwillunderstand。
　　Allatonce，theThenardier，whohadbeengoingbackandforthintheroom，perceivedthatCosette’smindwasdistracted，andthat，insteadofworking，shewaspayingattentiontothelittleonesattheirplay。
　　"Ah！I’vecaughtyouatit！"shecried。"Sothat’sthewayyouwork！
　　I’llmakeyouworktothetuneofthewhip；thatIwill。"
　　ThestrangerturnedtotheThenardier，withoutquittinghischair。
　　"Bah，Madame，"hesaid，withanalmosttimidair，"letherplay！"
　　Suchawishexpressedbyatravellerwhohadeatenasliceofmuttonandhaddrunkacoupleofbottlesofwinewithhissupper，andwhohadnottheairofbeingfrightfullypoor，wouldhavebeenequivalenttoanorder。Butthatamanwithsuchahatshouldpermithimselfsuchadesire，andthatamanwithsuchacoatshouldpermithimselftohaveawill，wassomethingwhichMadameThenardierdidnotintendtotolerate。Sheretortedwithacrimony:——
　　"Shemustwork，sincesheeats。Idon’tfeedhertodonothing。"
　　"Whatisshemaking？"wentonthestranger，inagentlevoicewhichcontrastedstrangelywithhisbeggarlygarmentsandhisporter’sshoulders。
　　TheThenardierdeignedtoreply:——
　　"Stockings，ifyouplease。Stockingsformylittlegirls，whohavenone，sotospeak，andwhoareabsolutelybarefootjustnow。"
　　ThemanlookedatCosette’spoorlittleredfeet，andcontinued:——
　　"Whenwillshehavefinishedthispairofstockings？"
　　"Shehasatleastthreeorfourgooddays’workonthemstill，thelazycreature！"
　　"Andhowmuchwillthatpairofstockingsbeworthwhenshehasfinishedthem？"
　　TheThenardiercastaglanceofdisdainonhim。
　　"Thirtysousatleast。"
　　"Willyousellthemforfivefrancs？"wentontheman。
　　"Goodheavens！"exclaimedacarterwhowaslistening，withaloudlaugh；
　　"fivefrancs！thedeuce，Ishouldthinkso！fiveballs！"
　　Thenardierthoughtittimetostrikein。
　　"Yes，sir；ifsuchisyourfancy，youwillbeallowedtohavethatpairofstockingsforfivefrancs。Wecanrefusenothingtotravellers。"
　　"Youmustpayonthespot，"saidtheThenardier，inhercurtandperemptoryfashion。
　　"Iwillbuythatpairofstockings，"repliedtheman，"and，"headded，drawingafive—francpiecefromhispocket，andlayingitonthetable，"Iwillpayforthem。"
　　ThenheturnedtoCosette。
　　"NowIownyourwork；play，mychild。"
　　Thecarterwassomuchtouchedbythefive—francpiece，thatheabandonedhisglassandhastenedup。
　　"Butit’strue！"hecried，examiningit。"Arealhindwheel！
　　andnotcounterfeit！"
　　Thenardierapproachedandsilentlyputthecoininhispocket。
　　TheThenardierhadnoreplytomake。Shebitherlips，andherfaceassumedanexpressionofhatred。
　　Inthemeantime，Cosettewastrembling。Sheventuredtoask:——
　　"Isittrue，Madame？MayIplay？"
　　"Play！"saidtheThenardier，inaterriblevoice。
　　"Thanks，Madame，"saidCosette。
　　AndwhilehermouththankedtheThenardier，herwholelittlesoulthankedthetraveller。
　　Thenardierhadresumedhisdrinking；hiswifewhisperedinhisear:——
　　"Whocanthisyellowmanbe？"
　　"Ihaveseenmillionaireswithcoatslikethat，"repliedThenardier，inasovereignmanner。
　　Cosettehaddroppedherknitting，buthadnotleftherseat。
　　Cosettealwaysmovedaslittleaspossible。Shepickedupsomeoldragsandherlittleleadswordfromaboxbehindher。
　　EponineandAzelmapaidnoattentiontowhatwasgoingon。
　　Theyhadjustexecutedaveryimportantoperation；theyhadjustgotholdofthecat。Theyhadthrowntheirdollontheground，andEponine，whowastheelder，wasswathingthelittlecat，inspiteofitsmewinganditscontortions，inaquantityofclothesandredandbluescraps。Whileperformingthisseriousanddifficultworkshewassayingtohersisterinthatsweetandadorablelanguageofchildren，whosegrace，likethesplendorofthebutterfly’swing，vanisheswhenoneessaystofixitfast。
　　"Yousee，sister，thisdollismoreamusingthantheother。
　　Shetwists，shecries，sheiswarm。See，sister，letusplaywithher。
　　Sheshallbemylittlegirl。Iwillbealady。Iwillcometoseeyou，andyoushalllookather。Gradually，youwillperceiveherwhiskers，andthatwillsurpriseyou。Andthenyouwillseeherears，andthenyouwillseehertailanditwillamazeyou。
　　Andyouwillsaytome，`Ah！MonDieu！’andIwillsaytoyou:
　　`Yes，Madame，itismylittlegirl。Littlegirlsaremadelikethatjustatpresent。’"
　　AzelmalistenedadmiringlytoEponine。
　　Inthemeantime，thedrinkershadbeguntosinganobscenesong，andtolaughatituntiltheceilingshook。Thenardieraccompaniedandencouragedthem。
　　Asbirdsmakenestsoutofeverything，sochildrenmakeadolloutofanythingwhichcomestohand。WhileEponineandAzelmawerebundlingupthecat，Cosette，onherside，haddresseduphersword。
　　Thatdone，shelaiditinherarms，andsangtoitsoftly，tolullittosleep。
　　Thedollisoneofthemostimperiousneedsand，atthesametime，oneofthemostcharminginstinctsoffemininechildhood。
　　Tocarefor，toclothe，todeck，todress，toundress，toredress，toteach，scoldalittle，torock，todandle，tolulltosleep，toimaginethatsomethingissomeone，——thereinliesthewholewoman’sfuture。Whiledreamingandchattering，makingtinyoutfits，andbabyclothes，whilesewinglittlegowns，andcorsagesandbodices，thechildgrowsintoayounggirl，theyounggirlintoabiggirl，thebiggirlintoawoman。Thefirstchildisthecontinuationofthelastdoll。
　　Alittlegirlwithoutadollisalmostasunhappy，andquiteasimpossible，asawomanwithoutchildren。
　　SoCosettehadmadeherselfadolloutofthesword。
　　MadameThenardierapproachedtheyellowman；"Myhusbandisright，"
　　shethought；"perhapsitisM。Laffitte；therearesuchqueerrichmen！"
　　Shecameandsetherelbowsonthetable。
　　"Monsieur，"saidshe。Atthisword，Monsieur，themanturned；
　　uptothattime，theThenardierhadaddressedhimonlyasbravehommeorbonhomme。
　　"Yousee，sir，"shepursued，assumingasweetishairthatwasevenmorerepulsivetobeholdthanherfiercemien，"Iamwillingthatthechildshouldplay；Idonotopposeit，butitisgoodforonce，becauseyouaregenerous。Yousee，shehasnothing；
　　shemustneedswork。"
　　"Thenthischildisnotyours？"demandedtheman。
　　"Oh！monDieu！no，sir！sheisalittlebeggarwhomwehavetakeninthroughcharity；asortofimbecilechild。Shemusthavewateronthebrain；shehasalargehead，asyousee。Wedowhatwecanforher，forwearenotrich；wehavewritteninvaintohernativeplace，andhavereceivednoreplythesesixmonths。
　　Itmustbethathermotherisdead。"
　　"Ah！"saidtheman，andfellintohisreveryoncemore。
　　"Hermotherdidn’tamounttomuch，"addedtheThenardier；
　　"sheabandonedherchild。"
　　DuringthewholeofthisconversationCosette，asthoughwarnedbysomeinstinctthatshewasunderdiscussion，hadnottakenhereyesfromtheThenardier’sface；shelistenedvaguely；shecaughtafewwordshereandthere。
　　Meanwhile，thedrinkers，allthree—quartersintoxicated，wererepeatingtheiruncleanrefrainwithredoubledgayety；itwasahighlyspicedandwantonsong，inwhichtheVirginandtheinfantJesuswereintroduced。TheThenardierwentofftotakepartintheshoutsoflaughter。Cosette，fromherpostunderthetable，gazedatthefire，whichwasreflectedfromherfixedeyes。Shehadbeguntorockthesortofbabywhichshehadmade，and，assherockedit，shesanginalowvoice，"Mymotherisdead！mymotherisdead！mymotherisdead！"
　　Onbeingurgedafreshbythehostess，theyellowman，"themillionaire，"
　　consentedatlasttotakesupper。
　　"WhatdoesMonsieurwish？"
　　"Breadandcheese，"saidtheman。
　　"Decidedly，heisabeggar"thoughtMadameThenardier。
　　Thedrunkenmenwerestillsingingtheirsong，andthechildunderthetablewassinginghers。
　　Allatonce，Cosettepaused；shehadjustturnedroundandcaughtsightofthelittleThenardiers’doll，whichtheyhadabandonedforthecatandhadleftonthefloorafewpacesfromthekitchentable。
　　Thenshedroppedtheswaddledsword，whichonlyhalfmetherneeds，andcasthereyesslowlyroundtheroom。MadameThenardierwaswhisperingtoherhusbandandcountingoversomemoney；
　　PonineandZelmawereplayingwiththecat；thetravellerswereeatingordrinkingorsinging；notaglancewasfixedonher。
　　Shehadnotamomenttolose；shecreptoutfromunderthetableonherhandsandknees，madesureoncemorethatnoonewaswatchingher；
　　thensheslippedquicklyuptothedollandseizedit。Aninstantlatershewasinherplaceagain，seatedmotionless，andonlyturnedsoastocastashadowonthedollwhichsheheldinherarms。
　　Thehappinessofplayingwithadollwassorareforherthatitcontainedalltheviolenceofvoluptuousness。
　　Noonehadseenher，exceptthetraveller，whowasslowlydevouringhismeagresupper。
　　Thisjoylastedaboutaquarterofanhour。
　　ButwithalltheprecautionsthatCosettehadtakenshedidnotperceivethatoneofthedoll’slegsstuckoutandthatthefireonthehearthlighteditupveryvividly。Thatpinkandshiningfoot，projectingfromtheshadow，suddenlystrucktheeyeofAzelma，whosaidtoEponine，"Look！sister。"
　　Thetwolittlegirlspausedinstupefaction；Cosettehaddaredtotaketheirdoll！
　　Eponinerose，and，withoutreleasingthecat，sherantohermother，andbegantotugatherskirt。
　　"Letmealone！"saidhermother；"whatdoyouwant？"
　　"Mother，"saidthechild，"lookthere！"
　　AndshepointedtoCosette。
　　Cosette，absorbedintheecstasiesofpossession，nolongersaworheardanything。
　　MadameThenardier’scountenanceassumedthatpeculiarexpressionwhichiscomposedoftheterriblemingledwiththetriflesoflife，andwhichhascausedthisstyleofwomantobenamedmegaeras。
　　Onthisoccasion，woundedprideexasperatedherwrathstillfurther。
　　Cosettehadoversteppedallbounds；Cosettehadlaidviolenthandsonthedollbelongingto"theseyoungladies。"Aczarinawhoshouldseeamuzhiktryingonherimperialson’sblueribbonwouldwearnootherface。
　　Sheshriekedinavoicerenderedhoarsewithindignation:——
　　"Cosette！"
　　Cosettestartedasthoughtheearthhadtrembledbeneathher；
　　sheturnedround。
　　"Cosette！"repeatedtheThenardier。
　　Cosettetookthedollandlaiditgentlyonthefloorwithasortofveneration，mingledwithdespair；then，withouttakinghereyesfromit，sheclaspedherhands，and，whatisterribletorelateofachildofthatage，shewrungthem；then——notoneoftheemotionsoftheday，neitherthetriptotheforest，northeweightofthebucketofwater，northelossofthemoney，northesightofthewhip，noreventhesadwordswhichshehadheardMadameThenardierutterhadbeenabletowringthisfromher——
　　shewept；sheburstoutsobbing。
　　Meanwhile，thetravellerhadrisentohisfeet。
　　"Whatisthematter？"hesaidtotheThenardier。
　　"Don’tyousee？"saidtheThenardier，pointingtothecorpusdelictiwhichlayatCosette’sfeet。
　　"Well，whatofit？"resumedtheman。
　　"Thatbeggar，"repliedtheThenardier，"haspermittedherselftotouchthechildren’sdoll！"
　　"Allthisnoiseforthat！"saidtheman；"well，whatifshedidplaywiththatdoll？"
　　"Shetoucheditwithherdirtyhands！"pursuedtheThenardier，"withherfrightfulhands！"
　　HereCosetteredoubledhersobs。
　　"Willyoustopyournoise？"screamedtheThenardier。
　　Themanwentstraighttothestreetdoor，openedit，andsteppedout。
　　Assoonashehadgone，theThenardierprofitedbyhisabsencetogiveCosetteaheartykickunderthetable，whichmadethechildutterloudcries。
　　Thedooropenedagain，themanre—appeared；hecarriedinbothhandsthefabulousdollwhichwehavementioned，andwhichallthevillagebratshadbeenstaringateversincethemorning，andhesetituprightinfrontofCosette，saying:——
　　"Here；thisisforyou。"
　　Itmustbesupposedthatinthecourseofthehourandmorewhichhehadspenttherehehadtakenconfusednoticethroughhisreveryofthattoyshop，lightedupbyfire—potsandcandlessosplendidlythatitwasvisiblelikeanilluminationthroughthewindowofthedrinking—shop。
　　Cosetteraisedhereyes；shegazedatthemanapproachingherwiththatdollasshemighthavegazedatthesun；sheheardtheunprecedentedwords，"Itisforyou"；shestaredathim；
　　shestaredatthedoll；thensheslowlyretreated，andhidherselfattheextremeend，underthetableinacornerofthewall。
　　Shenolongercried；shenolongerwept；shehadtheappearanceofnolongerdaringtobreathe。
　　TheThenardier，Eponine，andAzelmawerelikestatuesalso；
　　theverydrinkershadpaused；asolemnsilencereignedthroughthewholeroom。
　　MadameThenardier，petrifiedandmute，recommencedherconjectures:
　　"Whoisthatoldfellow？Isheapoorman？Isheamillionaire？
　　Perhapsheisboth；thatistosay，athief。"
　　ThefaceofthemaleThenardierpresentedthatexpressivefoldwhichaccentuatesthehumancountenancewheneverthedominantinstinctappearsthereinallitsbestialforce。Thetavern—keeperstaredalternatelyatthedollandatthetraveller；heseemedtobescentingouttheman，ashewouldhavescentedoutabagofmoney。
　　Thisdidnotlastlongerthanthespaceofaflashoflightning。
　　Hesteppeduptohiswifeandsaidtoherinalowvoice:——
　　"Thatmachinecostsatleastthirtyfrancs。Nononsense。
　　Downonyourbellybeforethatman！"
　　Grossnatureshavethisincommonwithnaivenatures，thattheypossessnotransitionstate。
　　"Well，Cosette，"saidtheThenardier，inavoicethatstrovetobesweet，andwhichwascomposedofthebitterhoneyofmaliciouswomen，"aren’tyougoingtotakeyourdoll？"
　　Cosetteventuredtoemergefromherhole。
　　"Thegentlemanhasgivenyouadoll，mylittleCosette，"
　　saidThenardier，withacaressingair。"Takeit；itisyours。"
　　Cosettegazedatthemarvellousdollinasortofterror。
　　Herfacewasstillfloodedwithtears，buthereyesbegantofill，liketheskyatdaybreak，withstrangebeamsofjoy。Whatshefeltatthatmomentwasalittlelikewhatshewouldhavefeltifshehadbeenabruptlytold，"Littleone，youaretheQueenofFrance。"
　　Itseemedtoherthatifshetouchedthatdoll，lightningwoulddartfromit。
　　Thiswastrue，uptoacertainpoint，forshesaidtoherselfthattheThenardierwouldscoldandbeather。
　　Nevertheless，theattractioncarriedtheday。SheendedbydrawingnearandmurmuringtimidlyassheturnedtowardsMadameThenardier:——
　　"MayI，Madame？"
　　Nowordscanrenderthatair，atoncedespairing，terrified，andecstatic。
　　"Pardi！"criedtheThenardier，"itisyours。Thegentlemanhasgivenittoyou。"
　　"Truly，sir？"saidCosette。"Isittrue？Isthe`lady’mine？"
　　Thestranger’seyesseemedtobefulloftears。Heappearedtohavereachedthatpointofemotionwhereamandoesnotspeakforfearlestheshouldweep。HenoddedtoCosette，andplacedthe"lady’s"handinhertinyhand。
　　Cosettehastilywithdrewherhand，asthoughthatofthe"lady"
　　scorchedher，andbegantostareatthefloor。Weareforcedtoaddthatatthatmomentshestuckouthertongueimmoderately。
　　Allatonceshewheeledroundandseizedthedollinatransport。
　　"IshallcallherCatherine，"shesaid。
　　ItwasanoddmomentwhenCosette’sragsmetandclaspedtheribbonsandfreshpinkmuslinsofthedoll。
　　"Madame，"sheresumed，"mayIputheronachair？"
　　"Yes，mychild，"repliedtheThenardier。
　　ItwasnowtheturnofEponineandAzelmatogazeatCosettewithenvy。
　　CosetteplacedCatherineonachair，thenseatedherselfonthefloorinfrontofher，andremainedmotionless，withoututteringaword，inanattitudeofcontemplation。
　　"Play，Cosette，"saidthestranger。
　　"Oh！Iamplaying，"returnedthechild。
　　Thisstranger，thisunknownindividual，whohadtheairofavisitwhichProvidencewasmakingonCosette，wasthepersonwhomtheThenardierhatedworsethananyoneintheworldatthatmoment。However，itwasnecessarytocontrolherself。
　　Habituatedasshewastodissimulationthroughendeavoringtocopyherhusbandinallhisactions，theseemotionsweremorethanshecouldendure。Shemadehastetosendherdaughterstobed，thensheaskedtheman’spermissiontosendCosetteoffalso；
　　"forshehasworkedhardallday，"sheaddedwithamaternalair。
　　Cosettewentofftobed，carryingCatherineinherarms。
　　FromtimetotimetheThenardierwenttotheotherendoftheroomwhereherhusbandwas，torelievehersoul，asshesaid。
　　Sheexchangedwithherhusbandwordswhichwereallthemorefuriousbecauseshedarednotutterthemaloud。
　　"Oldbeast！Whathashegotinhisbelly，tocomeandupsetusinthismanner！Towantthatlittlemonstertoplay！togiveawayforty—francdollstoajadethatIwouldsellforfortysous，soIwould！AlittlemoreandhewillbesayingYourMajestytoher，asthoughtotheDuchessdeBerry！Isthereanysenseinit？
　　Ishemad，then，thatmysteriousoldfellow？"
　　"Why！itisperfectlysimple，"repliedThenardier，"ifthatamuseshim！
　　Itamusesyoutohavethelittleonework；itamuseshimtohaveherplay。He’sallright。Atravellercandowhathepleaseswhenhepaysforit。Iftheoldfellowisaphilanthropist，whatisthattoyou？Ifheisanimbecile，itdoesnotconcernyou。
　　Whatareyouworryingfor，solongashehasmoney？"
　　Thelanguageofamaster，andthereasoningofaninnkeeper，neitherofwhichadmittedofanyreply。
　　Themanhadplacedhiselbowsonthetable，andresumedhisthoughtfulattitude。Alltheothertravellers，bothpedlersandcarters，hadwithdrawnalittle，andhadceasedsinging。
　　Theywerestaringathimfromadistance，withasortofrespectfulawe。
　　Thispoorlydressedman，whodrew"hind—wheels"fromhispocketwithsomuchease，andwholavishedgiganticdollsondirtylittlebratsinwoodenshoes，wascertainlyamagnificentfellow，andonetobefeared。
　　Manyhourspassed。Themidnightmasswasover，thechimeshadceased，thedrinkershadtakentheirdeparture，thedrinking—shopwasclosed，thepublicroomwasdeserted，thefireextinct，thestrangerstillremainedinthesameplaceandthesameattitude。Fromtimetotimehechangedtheelbowonwhichheleaned。Thatwasall；
　　buthehadnotsaidawordsinceCosettehadlefttheroom。
　　TheThenardiersalone，outofpolitenessandcuriosity，hadremainedintheroom。
　　"Ishegoingtopassthenightinthatfashion？"grumbledtheThenardier。
　　Whentwoo’clockinthemorningstruck，shedeclaredherselfvanquished，andsaidtoherhusband，"I’mgoingtobed。Doasyoulike。"
　　Herhusbandseatedhimselfatatableinthecorner，lightedacandle，andbegantoreadtheCourrierFrancais。
　　Agoodhourpassedthus。Theworthyinn—keeperhadperusedtheCourrierFrancaisatleastthreetimes，fromthedateofthenumbertotheprinter’sname。Thestrangerdidnotstir。
　　Thenardierfidgeted，coughed，spit，blewhisnose，andcreakedhischair。Notamovementontheman’spart。"Isheasleep？"
　　thoughtThenardier。Themanwasnotasleep，butnothingcouldarousehim。
　　AtlastThenardiertookoffhiscap，steppedgentlyuptohim，andventuredtosay:——
　　"IsnotMonsieurgoingtohisrepose？"
　　Notgoingtobedwouldhaveseemedtohimexcessiveandfamiliar。
　　Toreposesmackedofluxuryandrespect。Thesewordspossessthemysteriousandadmirablepropertyofswellingthebillonthefollowingday。Achamberwhereonesleepscoststwentysous；
　　achamberinwhichonereposescoststwentyfrancs。
　　"Well！"saidthestranger，"youareright。Whereisyourstable？"
　　"Sir！"exclaimedThenardier，withasmile，"Iwillconductyou，sir。"
　　Hetookthecandle；themanpickeduphisbundleandcudgel，andThenardierconductedhimtoachamberonthefirstfloor，whichwasofraresplendor，allfurnishedinmahogany，withalowbedstead，curtainedwithredcalico。
　　"Whatisthis？"saidthetraveller。
　　"Itisreallyourbridalchamber，"saidthetavern—keeper。"MywifeandIoccupyanother。Thisisonlyenteredthreeorfourtimesayear。"
　　"Ishouldhavelikedthestablequiteaswell，"saidtheman，abruptly。
　　Thenardierpretendednottohearthisunamiableremark。
　　Helightedtwoperfectlyfreshwaxcandleswhichfiguredonthechimney—piece。Averygoodfirewasflickeringonthehearth。
　　Onthechimney—piece，underaglassglobe，stoodawoman’shead—dressinsilverwireandorangeflowers。
　　"Andwhatisthis？"resumedthestranger。
　　"That，sir，"saidThenardier，"ismywife’sweddingbonnet。"
　　Thetravellersurveyedtheobjectwithaglancewhichseemedtosay，"Therereallywasatime，then，whenthatmonsterwasamaiden？"
　　Thenardierlied，however。Whenhehadleasedthispaltrybuildingforthepurposeofconvertingitintoatavern，hehadfoundthischamberdecoratedinjustthismanner，andhadpurchasedthefurnitureandobtainedtheorangeflowersatsecondhand，withtheideathatthiswouldcastagracefulshadowon"hisspouse，"
　　andwouldresultinwhattheEnglishcallrespectabilityforhishouse。
　　Whenthetravellerturnedround，thehosthaddisappeared。
　　Thenardierhadwithdrawndiscreetly，withoutventuringtowishhimagoodnight，ashedidnotwishtotreatwithdisrespectfulcordialityamanwhomheproposedtofleeceroyallythefollowingmorning。
　　Theinn—keeperretiredtohisroom。Hiswifewasinbed，butshewasnotasleep。Whensheheardherhusband’sstepsheturnedoverandsaidtohim:——
　　"Doyouknow，I’mgoingtoturnCosetteoutofdoorsto—morrow。"
　　Thenardierrepliedcoldly:——
　　"Howyoudogoon！"
　　Theyexchangednofurtherwords，andafewmomentslatertheircandlewasextinguished。
　　Asforthetraveller，hehaddepositedhiscudgelandhisbundleinacorner。Thelandlordoncegone，hethrewhimselfintoanarm—chairandremainedforsometimeburiedinthought。
　　Thenheremovedhisshoes，tookoneofthetwocandles，blewouttheother，openedthedoor，andquittedtheroom，gazingabouthimlikeapersonwhoisinsearchofsomething。
　　Hetraversedacorridorandcameuponastaircase。Thereheheardaveryfaintandgentlesoundlikethebreathingofachild。
　　Hefollowedthissound，andcametoasortoftriangularrecessbuiltunderthestaircase，orratherformedbythestaircaseitself。
　　Thisrecesswasnothingelsethanthespaceunderthesteps。
　　There，inthemidstofallsortsofoldpapersandpotsherds，amongdustandspiders’webs，wasabed——ifonecancallbythenameofbedastrawpalletsofullofholesastodisplaythestraw，andacoverletsotatteredastoshowthepallet。Nosheets。
　　Thiswasplacedonthefloor。
　　InthisbedCosettewassleeping。
　　Themanapproachedandgazeddownuponher。
　　Cosettewasinaprofoundsleep；shewasfullydressed。Inthewintershedidnotundress，inorderthatshemightnotbesocold。
　　Againstherbreastwaspressedthedoll，whoselargeeyes，wideopen，glitteredinthedark。Fromtimetotimeshegaveventtoadeepsighasthoughshewereonthepointofwaking，andshestrainedthedollalmostconvulsivelyinherarms。Besideherbedtherewasonlyoneofherwoodenshoes。
　　AdoorwhichstoodopennearCosette’spalletpermittedaviewofaratherlarge，darkroom。Thestrangersteppedintoit。
　　Atthefurtherextremity，throughaglassdoor，hesawtwosmall，verywhitebeds。TheybelongedtoEponineandAzelma。
　　Behindthesebeds，andhalfhidden，stoodanuncurtainedwickercradle，inwhichthelittleboywhohadcriedalltheeveninglayasleep。
　　ThestrangerconjecturedthatthischamberconnectedwiththatoftheThenardierpair。Hewasonthepointofretreatingwhenhiseyefelluponthefireplace——oneofthosevasttavernchimneyswherethereisalwayssolittlefirewhenthereisanyfireatall，andwhicharesocoldtolookat。Therewasnofireinthisone，therewasnotevenashes；buttherewassomethingwhichattractedthestranger’sgaze，nevertheless。Itwastwotinychildren’sshoes，coquettishinshapeandunequalinsize。ThetravellerrecalledthegracefulandimmemorialcustominaccordancewithwhichchildrenplacetheirshoesinthechimneyonChristmaseve，theretoawaitinthedarknesssomesparklinggiftfromtheirgoodfairy。
　　EponineandAzelmahadtakencarenottoomitthis，andeachofthemhadsetoneofhershoesonthehearth。
　　Thetravellerbentoverthem。
　　Thefairy，thatistosay，theirmother，hadalreadypaidhervisit，andineachhesawabrand—newandshiningten—soupiece。
　　Themanstraightenedhimselfup，andwasonthepointofwithdrawing，whenfarin，inthedarkestcornerofthehearth，hecaughtsightofanotherobject。Helookedatit，andrecognizedawoodenshoe，afrightfulshoeofthecoarsestdescription，halfdilapidatedandallcoveredwithashesanddriedmud。ItwasCosette’ssabot。
　　Cosette，withthattouchingtrustofchildhood，whichcanalwaysbedeceivedyetneverdiscouraged，hadplacedhershoeonthehearth—stonealso。
　　Hopeinachildwhohasneverknownanythingbutdespairisasweetandtouchingthing。
　　Therewasnothinginthiswoodenshoe。
　　Thestrangerfumbledinhiswaistcoat，bentoverandplacedalouisd’orinCosette’sshoe。
　　Thenheregainedhisownchamberwiththestealthytreadofawolf。