CHAPTERV
　　ATBOMBARDA’S
　　TheRussianmountainshavingbeenexhausted，theybegantothinkaboutdinner；andtheradiantpartyofeight，somewhatwearyatlast，becamestrandedinBombarda’spublichouse，abranchestablishmentwhichhadbeensetupintheChamps—Elyseesbythatfamousrestaurant—keeper，Bombarda，whosesigncouldthenbeseenintheRuedeRivoli，nearDelormeAlley。
　　Alargebutuglyroom，withanalcoveandabedattheend（theyhadbeenobligedtoputupwiththisaccommodationinviewoftheSundaycrowd）；twowindowswhencetheycouldsurveybeyondtheelms，thequayandtheriver；amagnificentAugustsunlightlightlytouchingthepanes；twotables；upononeofthematriumphantmountainofbouquets，mingledwiththehatsofmenandwomen；
　　attheotherthefourcouplesseatedroundamerryconfusionofplatters，dishes，glasses，andbottles；jugsofbeermingledwithflasksofwine；verylittleorderonthetable，somedisorderbeneathit；
　　"TheymadebeneaththetableAnoise，aclatterofthefeetthatwasabominable，"
　　saysMoliere。
　　Thiswasthestatewhichtheshepherdidyl，begunatfiveo’clockinthemorning，hadreachedathalf—pastfourintheafternoon。
　　Thesunwassetting；theirappetitesweresatisfied。
　　TheChamps—Elysees，filledwithsunshineandwithpeople，werenothingbutlightanddust，thetwothingsofwhichgloryiscomposed。
　　ThehorsesofMarly，thoseneighingmarbles，wereprancinginacloudofgold。Carriagesweregoingandcoming。Asquadronofmagnificentbody—guards，withtheirclarionsattheirhead，weredescendingtheAvenuedeNeuilly；thewhiteflag，showingfaintlyrosyinthesettingsun，floatedoverthedomeoftheTuileries。
　　ThePlacedelaConcorde，whichhadbecomethePlaceLouisXV。
　　oncemore，waschokedwithhappypromenaders。Manyworethesilverfleur—de—lyssuspendedfromthewhite—wateredribbon，whichhadnotyetwhollydisappearedfrombutton—holesintheyear1817。
　　Hereandtherechorusesoflittlegirlsthrewtothewinds，amidthepassersby，whoformedintocirclesandapplauded，thethencelebratedBourbonair，whichwasdestinedtostriketheHundredDayswithlightning，andwhichhadforitsrefrain:——
　　"Rendez—nousnotreperedeGand，Rendez—nousnotrepere。"
　　"GiveusbackourfatherfromGhent，Giveusbackourfather。"
　　Groupsofdwellersinthesuburbs，inSundayarray，sometimesevendecoratedwiththefleur—de—lys，likethebourgeois，scatteredoverthelargesquareandtheMarignysquare，wereplayingatringsandrevolvingonthewoodenhorses；otherswereengagedindrinking；
　　somejourneymanprintershadonpapercaps；theirlaughterwasaudible。
　　Everythingwasradiant。Itwasatimeofundisputedpeaceandprofoundroyalistsecurity；itwastheepochwhenaspecialandprivatereportofChiefofPoliceAngelestotheKing，onthesubjectofthesuburbsofParis，terminatedwiththeselines:——
　　"Takingallthingsintoconsideration，Sire，thereisnothingtobefearedfromthesepeople。Theyareasheedlessandasindolentascats。
　　Thepopulaceisrestlessintheprovinces；itisnotinParis。
　　Theseareveryprettymen，Sire。Itwouldtakealloftwoofthemtomakeoneofyourgrenadiers。ThereisnothingtobefearedonthepartofthepopulaceofParisthecapital。Itisremarkablethatthestatureofthispopulationshouldhavediminishedinthelastfiftyyears；andthepopulaceofthesuburbsisstillmorepunythanatthetimeoftheRevolution。Itisnotdangerous。
　　Inshort，itisanamiablerabble。"
　　Prefectsofthepolicedonotdeemitpossiblethatacatcantransformitselfintoalion；thatdoeshappen，however，andinthatliesthemiraclewroughtbythepopulaceofParis。Moreover，thecatsodespisedbyCountAnglespossessedtheesteemoftherepublicsofold。
　　Intheireyesitwaslibertyincarnate；andasthoughtoserveaspendanttotheMinervaApteraofthePiraeus，therestoodonthepublicsquareinCorinththecolossalbronzefigureofacat。
　　TheingenuouspoliceoftheRestorationbeheldthepopulaceofParisintoo"rose—colored"alight；itisnotsomuchof"anamiablerabble"
　　asitisthought。TheParisianistotheFrenchmanwhattheAthenianwastotheGreek:noonesleepsmoresoundlythanhe，nooneismorefranklyfrivolousandlazythanhe，noonecanbetterassumetheairofforgetfulness；lethimnotbetrustednevertheless；
　　heisreadyforanysortofcooldeed；butwhenthereisgloryattheendofit，heisworthyofadmirationineverysortoffury。
　　Givehimapike，hewillproducethe10thofAugust；givehimagun，youwillhaveAusterlitz。HeisNapoleon’sstayandDanton’sresource。
　　Isitaquestionofcountry，heenlists；isitaquestionofliberty，hetearsupthepavements。Beware！hishairfilledwithwrath，isepic；
　　hisblousedrapesitselflikethefoldsofachlamys。Takecare！hewillmakeofthefirstRueGrenetatwhichcomestohandCaudineForks。
　　Whenthehourstrikes，thismanofthefaubourgswillgrowinstature；
　　thislittlemanwillarise，andhisgazewillbeterrible，andhisbreathwillbecomeatempest，andtherewillissueforthfromthatslenderchestenoughwindtodisarrangethefoldsoftheAlps。
　　Itis，thankstothesuburbanmanofParis，thattheRevolution，mixedwitharms，conquersEurope。Hesings；itishisdelight。
　　Proportionhissongtohisnature，andyouwillsee！AslongashehasforrefrainnothingbutlaCarmagnole，heonlyoverthrowsLouisXVI。；makehimsingtheMarseillaise，andhewillfreetheworld。
　　ThisnotejotteddownonthemarginofAngles’report，wewillreturntoourfourcouples。Thedinner，aswehavesaid，wasdrawingtoitsclose。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　ACHAPTERINWHICHTHEYADOREEACHOTHER
　　Chatattable，thechatoflove；itisasimpossibletoreproduceoneastheother；thechatofloveisacloud；thechatattableissmoke。
　　FameuilandDahliawerehumming。Tholomyeswasdrinking。
　　Zephinewaslaughing，Fantinesmiling，ListolierblowingawoodentrumpetwhichhehadpurchasedatSaint—Cloud。
　　FavouritegazedtenderlyatBlachevelleandsaid:——
　　"Blachevelle，Iadoreyou。"
　　ThiscalledforthaquestionfromBlachevelle:——
　　"Whatwouldyoudo，Favourite，ifIweretoceasetoloveyou？"
　　"I！"criedFavourite。"Ah！Donotsaythateveninjest！
　　Ifyouweretoceasetoloveme，Iwouldspringafteryou，Iwouldscratchyou，Ishouldrendyou，Iwouldthrowyouintothewater，Iwouldhaveyouarrested。"
　　Blachevellesmiledwiththevoluptuousself—conceitofamanwhoistickledinhisself—love。Favouriteresumed:——
　　"Yes，Iwouldscreamtothepolice！Ah！Ishouldnotrestrainmyself，notatall！Rabble！"
　　Blachevellethrewhimselfbackinhischair，inanecstasy，andclosedbotheyesproudly。
　　Dahlia，assheate，saidinalowvoicetoFavourite，amidtheuproar:——
　　"Soyoureallyidolizehimdeeply，thatBlachevelleofyours？"
　　"I？Idetesthim，"repliedFavouriteinthesametone，seizingherforkagain。"Heisavaricious。Ilovethelittlefellowoppositemeinmyhouse。Heisverynice，thatyoungman；doyouknowhim？
　　Onecanseethatheisanactorbyprofession。Iloveactors。
　　Assoonashecomesin，hismothersaystohim:`Ah！monDieu！mypeaceofmindisgone。Therehegoeswithhisshouting。But，mydear，youaresplittingmyhead！’Sohegoesuptorat—riddengarrets，toblackholes，ashighashecanmount，andtherehesetstosinging，declaiming，howdoIknowwhat？sothathecanbehearddownstairs！
　　Heearnstwentysousadayatanattorney’sbypenningquibbles。
　　HeisthesonofaformerprecentorofSaint—Jacques—du—Haut—Pas。
　　Ah！heisverynice。Heidolizesmeso，thatonedaywhenhesawmemakingbatterforsomepancakes，hesaidtome:`Mamselle，makeyourglovesintofritters，andIwilleatthem。’Itisonlyartistswhocansaysuchthingsasthat。Ah！heisverynice。
　　Iaminafairwaytogooutofmyheadoverthatlittlefellow。
　　Nevermind；ItellBlachevellethatIadorehim——howIlie！Hey！HowI
　　dolie！"
　　Favouritepaused，andthenwenton:——
　　"Iamsad，yousee，Dahlia。Ithasdonenothingbutrainallsummer；
　　thewindirritatesme；thewinddoesnotabate。Blachevelleisverystingy；therearehardlyanygreenpeasinthemarket；
　　onedoesnotknowwhattoeat。Ihavethespleen，astheEnglishsay，butterissodear！andthenyouseeitishorrible，herewearedininginaroomwithabedinit，andthatdisgustsmewithlife。"
　　CHAPTERVII
　　THEWISDOMOFTHOLOMYES
　　Inthemeantime，whilesomesang，theresttalkedtogethertumultuouslyallatonce；itwasnolongeranythingbutnoise。
　　Tholomyesintervened。
　　"Letusnottalkatrandomnortoofast，"heexclaimed。
　　"Letusreflect，ifwewishtobebrilliant。Toomuchimprovisationemptiesthemindinastupidway。Runningbeergathersnofroth。
　　Nohaste，gentlemen。Letusminglemajestywiththefeast。Letuseatwithmeditation；letusmakehasteslowly。Letusnothurry。
　　Considerthespringtime；ifitmakeshaste，itisdonefor；
　　thatistosay，itgetsfrozen。Excessofzealruinspeach—treesandapricot—trees。Excessofzealkillsthegraceandthemirthofgooddinners。Nozeal，gentlemen！GrimoddelaReyniereagreeswithTalleyrand。"
　　Ahollowsoundofrebellionrumbledthroughthegroup。
　　"Leaveusinpeace，Tholomyes，"saidBlachevelle。
　　"Downwiththetyrant！"saidFameuil。
　　"Bombarda，Bombance，andBambochel！"criedListolier。
　　"Sundayexists，"resumedFameuil。
　　"Wearesober，"addedListolier。
　　"Tholomyes，"remarkedBlachevelle，"contemplatemycalmness[moncalme]。"
　　"YouaretheMarquisofthat，"retortedTholomyes。
　　Thismediocreplayuponwordsproducedtheeffectofastoneinapool。
　　TheMarquisdeMontcalmwasatthattimeacelebratedroyalist。
　　Allthefrogsheldtheirpeace。
　　"Friends，"criedTholomyes，withtheaccentofamanwhohadrecoveredhisempire，"Cometoyourselves。Thispunwhichhasfallenfromtheskiesmustnotbereceivedwithtoomuchstupor。
　　Everythingwhichfallsinthatwayisnotnecessarilyworthyofenthusiasmandrespect。Thepunisthedungofthemindwhichsoars。
　　Thejestfalls，nomatterwhere；andthemindafterproducingapieceofstupidityplungesintotheazuredepths。Awhitishspeckflattenedagainsttherockdoesnotpreventthecondorfromsoaringaloft。
　　Farbeitfrommetoinsultthepun！Ihonoritinproportiontoitsmerits；nothingmore。Allthemostaugust，themostsublime，themostcharmingofhumanity，andperhapsoutsideofhumanity，havemadepuns。JesusChristmadeapunonSt。Peter，MosesonIsaac，AEschylusonPolynices，CleopatraonOctavius。AndobservethatCleopatra’spunprecededthebattleofActium，andthathaditnotbeenforit，noonewouldhaverememberedthecityofToryne，aGreeknamewhichsignifiesaladle。Thatonceconceded，Ireturntomyexhortation。Irepeat，brothers，Irepeat，nozeal，nohubbub，noexcess；eveninwitticisms，gayety，jollities，orplaysonwords。
　　Listentome。IhavetheprudenceofAmphiarausandthebaldnessofCaesar。Theremustbealimit，eventorebuses。Estmodusinrebus。
　　"Theremustbealimit，eventodinners。Youarefondofappleturnovers，ladies；donotindulgeinthemtoexcess。
　　Eveninthematterofturnovers，goodsenseandartarerequisite。
　　Gluttonychastisestheglutton，GulapunitGulax。IndigestionischargedbythegoodGodwithpreachingmoralitytostomachs。
　　Andrememberthis:eachoneofourpassions，evenlove，hasastomachwhichmustnotbefilledtoofull。Inallthingsthewordfinismustbewritteningoodseason；self—controlmustbeexercisedwhenthematterbecomesurgent；theboltmustbedrawnonappetite；
　　onemustsetone’sownfantasytotheviolin，andcarryone’sselftothepost。Thesageisthemanwhoknowshow，atagivenmoment，toeffecthisownarrest。Havesomeconfidenceinme，forIhavesucceededtosomeextentinmystudyofthelaw，accordingtotheverdictofmyexaminations，forIknowthedifferencebetweenthequestionputandthequestionpending，forIhavesustainedathesisinLatinuponthemannerinwhichtorturewasadministeredatRomeattheepochwhenMunatiusDemenswasquaestoroftheParricide；
　　becauseIamgoingtobeadoctor，apparentlyitdoesnotfollowthatitisabsolutelynecessarythatIshouldbeanimbecile。
　　Irecommendyoutomoderationinyourdesires。ItistruethatmynameisFelixTholomyes；Ispeakwell。Happyishewho，whenthehourstrikes，takesaheroicresolve，andabdicateslikeSyllaorOrigenes。"
　　Favouritelistenedwithprofoundattention。
　　"Felix，"saidshe，"whataprettyword！Ilovethatname。
　　ItisLatin；itmeansprosper。"
　　Tholomyeswenton:——
　　"Quirites，gentlemen，caballeros，myfriends。Doyouwishnevertofeeltheprick，todowithoutthenuptialbed，andtobravelove？
　　Nothingmoresimple。Hereisthereceipt:lemonade，excessiveexercise，hardlabor；workyourselftodeath，dragblocks，sleepnot，holdvigil，gorgeyourselfwithnitrousbeverages，andpotionsofnymphaeas；
　　drinkemulsionsofpoppiesandagnuscastus；seasonthiswithastrictdiet，starveyourself，andaddtheretocoldbaths，girdlesofherbs，theapplicationofaplateoflead，lotionsmadewiththesubacetateoflead，andfomentationsofoxycrat。"
　　"Ipreferawoman，"saidListolier。
　　"Woman，"resumedTholomyes；"distrusther。Woetohimwhoyieldshimselftotheunstableheartofwoman！Womanisperfidiousanddisingenuous。Shedeteststheserpentfromprofessionaljealousy。
　　Theserpentistheshopovertheway。"
　　"Tholomyes！"criedBlachevelle，"youaredrunk！"
　　"Pardieu，"saidTholomyes。
　　"Thenbegay，"resumedBlachevelle。
　　"Iagreetothat，"respondedTholomyes。
　　And，refillinghisglass，herose。
　　"Glorytowine！Nuncte，Bacche，canam！Pardonmeladies；
　　thatisSpanish。Andtheproofofit，senoras，isthis:likepeople，likecask。ThearrobeofCastilecontainssixteenlitres；thecantaroofAlicante，twelve；thealmudeoftheCanaries，twenty—five；
　　thecuartinoftheBalearicIsles，twenty—six；thebootofTzarPeter，thirty。LonglivethatTzarwhowasgreat，andlonglivehisboot，whichwasstillgreater！Ladies，taketheadviceofafriend；makeamistakeinyourneighborifyouseefit。
　　Thepropertyofloveistoerr。AloveaffairisnotmadetocrouchdownandbrutalizeitselflikeanEnglishserving—maidwhohascallousesonherkneesfromscrubbing。Itisnotmadeforthat；
　　iterrsgayly，ourgentlelove。Ithasbeensaid，errorishuman；
　　Isay，errorislove。Ladies，Iidolizeyouall。OZephine，OJosephine，facemorethanirregular，youwouldbecharmingwereyounotallaskew。Youhavetheairofaprettyfaceuponwhichsomeonehassatdownbymistake。AsforFavourite，Onymphsandmuses！onedaywhenBlachevellewascrossingthegutterintheRueGuerin—Boisseau，heespiedabeautifulgirlwithwhitestockingswelldrawnup，whichdisplayedherlegs。Thisprologuepleasedhim，andBlachevellefellinlove。TheonehelovedwasFavourite。OFavourite，thouhastIonianlips。TherewasaGreekpainternamedEuphorion，whowassurnamedthepainterofthelips。ThatGreekalonewouldhavebeenworthytopaintthymouth。Listen！beforethee，therewasneveracreatureworthyofthename。ThouwertmadetoreceivetheapplelikeVenus，ortoeatitlikeEve；beautybeginswiththee。
　　IhavejustreferredtoEve；itisthouwhohastcreatedher。
　　Thoudeservesttheletters—patentofthebeautifulwoman。OFavourite，Iceasetoaddressyouas`thou，’becauseIpassfrompoetrytoprose。
　　Youwerespeakingofmynamealittlewhileago。Thattouchedme；
　　butletus，whoeverwemaybe，distrustnames。Theymaydeludeus。
　　IamcalledFelix，andIamnothappy。Wordsareliars。Letusnotblindlyaccepttheindicationswhichtheyaffordus。ItwouldbeamistaketowritetoLiege[2]forcorks，andtoPauforgloves。
　　MissDahlia，wereIinyourplace，IwouldcallmyselfRosa。
　　Aflowershouldsmellsweet，andwomanshouldhavewit。IsaynothingofFantine；sheisadreamer，amusing，thoughtful，pensiveperson；
　　sheisaphantompossessedoftheformofanymphandthemodestyofanun，whohasstrayedintothelifeofagrisette，butwhotakesrefugeinillusions，andwhosingsandpraysandgazesintotheazurewithoutverywellknowingwhatsheseesorwhatsheisdoing，andwho，withhereyesfixedonheaven，wandersinagardenwheretherearemorebirdsthanareinexistence。OFantine，knowthis:
　　I，Tholomyes，Iamallillusion；butshedoesnotevenhearme，thatblondmaidofChimeras！asfortherest，everythingaboutherisfreshness，suavity，youth，sweetmorninglight。OFantine，maidworthyofbeingcalledMargueriteorPearl，youareawomanfromthebeauteousOrient。Ladies，asecondpieceofadvice:
　　donotmarry；marriageisagraft；ittakeswellorill；
　　avoidthatrisk。Butbah！whatamIsaying？Iamwastingmywords。
　　Girlsareincurableonthesubjectofmarriage，andallthatwewisemencansaywillnotpreventthewaistcoat—makersandtheshoe—stitchersfromdreamingofhusbandsstuddedwithdiamonds。
　　Well，sobeit；but，mybeauties，rememberthis，youeattoomuchsugar。
　　Youhavebutonefault，Owoman，andthatisnibblingsugar。
　　Onibblingsex，yourprettylittlewhiteteethadoresugar。
　　Now，heedmewell，sugarisasalt。Allsaltsarewithering。
　　Sugaristhemostdesiccatingofallsalts；itsuckstheliquidsofthebloodthroughtheveins；hencethecoagulation，andthenthesolidificationoftheblood；hencetuberclesinthelungs，hencedeath。
　　Thatiswhydiabetesbordersonconsumption。Then，donotcrunchsugar，andyouwilllive。Iturntothemen:gentlemen，makeconquest，robeachotherofyourwell—belovedwithoutremorse。Chassezacross。
　　Inlovetherearenofriends。Everywherewherethereisaprettywomanhostilityisopen。Noquarter，wartothedeath！aprettywomanisacasusbelli；aprettywomanisflagrantmisdemeanor。
　　Alltheinvasionsofhistoryhavebeendeterminedbypetticoats。
　　Womanisman’sright。RomuluscarriedofftheSabines；WilliamcarriedofftheSaxonwomen；CaesarcarriedofftheRomanwomen。Themanwhoisnotlovedsoarslikeavultureoverthemistressesofothermen；
　　andformyownpart，toallthoseunfortunatemenwhoarewidowers，IthrowthesublimeproclamationofBonapartetothearmyofItaly:
　　"Soldiers，youareinneedofeverything；theenemyhasit。"
　　[2]Liege:acork—tree。Pau:ajestonpeau，skin。
　　Tholomyespaused。
　　"Takebreath，Tholomyes，"saidBlachevelle。
　　AtthesamemomentBlachevelle，supportedbyListolierandFameuil，struckuptoaplaintiveair，oneofthosestudiosongscomposedofthefirstwordswhichcometohand，rhymedrichlyandnotatall，asdestituteofsenseasthegestureofthetreeandthesoundofthewind，whichhavetheirbirthinthevaporofpipes，andaredissipatedandtaketheirflightwiththem。ThisisthecoupletbywhichthegrouprepliedtoTholomyes’harangue:——
　　"Thefatherturkey—cockssograveSomemoneytoanagentgave，ThatmastergoodClermont—TonnerreMightbemadepopeonSaintJohns’dayfair。
　　ButthisgoodClermontcouldnotbeMadepope，becausenopriestwashe；
　　Andthentheiragent，whosewrathburned，Withalltheirmoneybackreturned。"
　　ThiswasnotcalculatedtocalmTholomyes’improvisation；heemptiedhisglass，filled，refilledit，andbeganagain:——
　　"Downwithwisdom！ForgetallthatIhavesaid。Letusbeneitherprudesnorprudentmennorprudhommes。Iproposeatoasttomirth；
　　bemerry。Letuscompleteourcourseoflawbyfollyandeating！
　　Indigestionandthedigest。LetJustinianbethemale，andFeasting，thefemale！Joyinthedepths！Live，Ocreation！Theworldisagreatdiamond。Iamhappy。Thebirdsareastonishing。
　　Whatafestivaleverywhere！ThenightingaleisagratuitousElleviou。
　　Summer，Isalutethee！OLuxembourg！OGeorgicsoftheRueMadame，andoftheAlleedel’Observatoire！Opensiveinfantrysoldiers！
　　Oallthosecharmingnurseswho，whiletheyguardthechildren，amusethemselves！ThepampasofAmericawouldpleasemeifIhadnotthearcadesoftheOdeon。Mysoulflitsawayintothevirginforestsandtothesavannas。Allisbeautiful。Thefliesbuzzinthesun。
　　Thesunhassneezedoutthehummingbird。Embraceme，Fantine！"
　　HemadeamistakeandembracedFavourite。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　THEDEATHOFAHORSE
　　"ThedinnersarebetteratEdon’sthanatBombarda’s，"exclaimedZephine。
　　"IpreferBombardatoEdon，"declaredBlachevelle。"Thereismoreluxury。ItismoreAsiatic。Lookattheroomdownstairs；
　　therearemirrors[glaces]onthewalls。"
　　"Ipreferthem[glaces，ices]onmyplate，"saidFavourite。
　　Blachevellepersisted:——
　　"Lookattheknives。ThehandlesareofsilveratBombarda’sandofboneatEdon’s。Now，silverismorevaluablethanbone。"
　　"Exceptforthosewhohaveasilverchin，"observedTholomyes。
　　HewaslookingatthedomeoftheInvalides，whichwasvisiblefromBombarda’swindows。
　　Apauseensued。
　　"Tholomyes，"exclaimedFameuil，"ListolierandIwerehavingadiscussionjustnow。"
　　"Adiscussionisagoodthing，"repliedTholomyes；"aquarrelisbetter。"
　　"Weweredisputingaboutphilosophy。"
　　"Well？"
　　"Whichdoyouprefer，DescartesorSpinoza？"
　　"Desaugiers，"saidTholomyes。
　　Thisdecreepronounced，hetookadrink，andwenton:——
　　"Iconsenttolive。Allisnotatanendonearthsincewecanstilltalknonsense。ForthatIreturnthankstotheimmortalgods。
　　Welie。Onelies，butonelaughs。Oneaffirms，butonedoubts。
　　Theunexpectedburstsforthfromthesyllogism。Thatisfine。
　　Therearestillhumanbeingsherebelowwhoknowhowtoopenandclosethesurpriseboxoftheparadoxmerrily。This，ladies，whichyouaredrinkingwithsotranquilanairisMadeirawine，youmustknow，fromthevineyardofCouraldasFreiras，whichisthreehundredandseventeenfathomsabovethelevelofthesea。
　　Attentionwhileyoudrink！threehundredandseventeenfathoms！
　　andMonsieurBombarda，themagnificenteating—housekeeper，givesyouthosethreehundredandseventeenfathomsforfourfrancsandfiftycentimes。"
　　AgainFameuilinterruptedhim:——
　　"Tholomyes，youropinionsfixthelaw。Whoisyourfavoriteauthor？"
　　"Ber——"
　　"Quin？"
　　"No；Choux。"
　　AndTholomyescontinued:——
　　"HonortoBombarda！HewouldequalMunophisofElephantaifhecouldbutgetmeanIndiandancing—girl，andThygelionofChaeroneaifhecouldbringmeaGreekcourtesan；for，oh，ladies！therewereBombardasinGreeceandinEgypt。Apuleiustellsusofthem。
　　Alas！alwaysthesame，andnothingnew；nothingmoreunpublishedbythecreatorincreation！Nilsubsolenovum，saysSolomon；
　　amoromnibusidem，saysVirgil；andCarabinemountswithCarabinintothebarkatSaint—Cloud，asAspasiaembarkedwithPericlesuponthefleetatSamos。Onelastword。DoyouknowwhatAspasiawas，ladies？
　　Althoughshelivedatanepochwhenwomenhad，asyet，nosoul，shewasasoul；asoulofarosyandpurplehue，moreardenthuedthanfire，fresherthanthedawn。Aspasiawasacreatureinwhomtwoextremesofwomanhoodmet；shewasthegoddessprostitute；
　　SocratesplusManonLescaut。AspasiawascreatedincaseamistressshouldbeneededforPrometheus。"
　　Tholomyes，oncestarted，wouldhavefoundsomedifficultyinstopping，hadnotahorsefallendownuponthequayjustatthatmoment。
　　Theshockcausedthecartandtheoratortocometoadeadhalt。
　　ItwasaBeauceronmare，oldandthin，andonefitfortheknacker，whichwasdraggingaveryheavycart。OnarrivinginfrontofBombarda’s，theworn—out，exhaustedbeasthadrefusedtoproceedanyfurther。
　　Thisincidentattractedacrowd。Hardlyhadthecursingandindignantcarterhadtimetoutterwithproperenergythesacramentalword，Matin（thejade），backedupwithapitilesscutofthewhip，whenthejadefell，nevertoriseagain。Onhearingthehubbubmadebythepassersby，Tholomyes’merryauditorsturnedtheirheads，andTholomyestookadvantageoftheopportunitytobringhisallocutiontoaclosewiththismelancholystrophe:——
　　"Elleetaitdecemondeoucoucousetcarrosses[3]
　　Ontlememedestin；
　　Et，rosse，elleavecucequevivantlesrosses，L’espaced’unmatin！"
　　[3]Shebelongedtothatcirclewherecuckoosandcarriagessharethesamefate；andajadeherself，shelived，asjadeslive，forthespaceofamorning（orjade）。
　　"Poorhorse！"sighedFantine。
　　AndDahliaexclaimed:——
　　"ThereisFantineonthepointofcryingoverhorses。Howcanonebesuchapitifulfoolasthat！"
　　AtthatmomentFavourite，foldingherarmsandthrowingherheadback，lookedresolutelyatTholomyesandsaid:——
　　"Come，now！thesurprise？"
　　"Exactly。Themomenthasarrived，"repliedTholomyes。
　　"Gentlemen，thehourforgivingtheseladiesasurprisehasstruck。
　　Waitforusamoment，ladies。"
　　"Itbeginswithakiss，"saidBlachevelle。
　　"Onthebrow，"addedTholomyes。
　　Eachgravelybestowedakissonhismistress’sbrow；thenallfourfiledoutthroughthedoor，withtheirfingersontheirlips。
　　Favouriteclappedherhandsontheirdeparture。
　　"Itisbeginningtobeamusingalready，"saidshe。
　　"Don’tbetoolong，"murmuredFantine；"wearewaitingforyou。"
　　CHAPTERIX
　　AMERRYENDTOMIRTH
　　Whentheyounggirlswereleftalone，theyleanedtwobytwoonthewindow—sills，chatting，craningouttheirheads，andtalkingfromonewindowtotheother。
　　TheysawtheyoungmenemergefromtheCafeBombardaarminarm。
　　Thelatterturnedround，madesignstothem，smiled，anddisappearedinthatdustySundaythrongwhichmakesaweeklyinvasionintotheChamps—Elysees。
　　"Don’tbelong！"criedFantine。
　　"Whataretheygoingtobringus？"saidZephine。
　　"Itwillcertainlybesomethingpretty，"saidDahlia。
　　"Formypart，"saidFavourite，"Iwantittobeofgold。"
　　Theirattentionwassoondistractedbythemovementsontheshoreofthelake，whichtheycouldseethroughthebranchesofthelargetrees，andwhichdivertedthemgreatly。
　　Itwasthehourforthedepartureofthemail—coachesanddiligences。
　　Nearlyallthestage—coachesforthesouthandwestpassedthroughtheChamps—Elysees。ThemajorityfollowedthequayandwentthroughthePassyBarrier。Frommomenttomoment，somehugevehicle，paintedyellowandblack，heavilyloaded，noisilyharnessed，renderedshapelessbytrunks，tarpaulins，andvalises，fullofheadswhichimmediatelydisappeared，rushedthroughthecrowdwithallthesparksofaforge，withdustforsmoke，andanairoffury，grindingthepavements，changingallthepaving—stonesintosteels。
　　Thisuproardelightedtheyounggirls。Favouriteexclaimed:——
　　"Whatarow！Onewouldsaythatitwasapileofchainsflyingaway。"
　　Itchancedthatoneofthesevehicles，whichtheycouldonlyseewithdifficultythroughthethickelms，haltedforamoment，thensetoutagainatagallop。ThissurprisedFantine。
　　"That’sodd！"saidshe。"Ithoughtthediligenceneverstopped。"
　　Favouriteshruggedhershoulders。
　　"ThisFantineissurprising。Iamcomingtotakealookatheroutofcuriosity。Sheisdazzledbythesimplestthings。Supposeacase:
　　Iamatraveller；Isaytothediligence，`Iwillgooninadvance；
　　youshallpickmeuponthequayasyoupass。’Thediligencepasses，seesme，halts，andtakesme。Thatisdoneeveryday。Youdonotknowlife，mydear。"
　　Inthismanneracertaintimeelapsed。AllatonceFavouritemadeamovement，likeapersonwhoisjustwakingup。
　　"Well，"saidshe，"andthesurprise？"
　　"Yes，bytheway，"joinedinDahlia，"thefamoussurprise？"
　　"Theyareaverylongtimeaboutit！"saidFantine。
　　AsFantineconcludedthissigh，thewaiterwhohadservedthematdinnerentered。Heheldinhishandsomethingwhichresembledaletter。
　　"Whatisthat？"demandedFavourite。
　　Thewaiterreplied:——
　　"Itisapaperthatthosegentlemenleftfortheseladies。"
　　"Whydidyounotbringitatonce？"
　　"Because，"saidthewaiter，"thegentlemenorderedmenottodeliverittotheladiesforanhour。"
　　Favouritesnatchedthepaperfromthewaiter’shand。Itwas，infact，aletter。
　　"Stop！"saidshe；"thereisnoaddress；butthisiswhatiswrittenonit——"
　　"THISISTHESURPRISE。"
　　Shetoretheletteropenhastily，openedit，andread[sheknewhowtoread]:——
　　"OURBELOVED:——
　　"Youmustknowthatwehaveparents。Parents——youdonotknowmuchaboutsuchthings。Theyarecalledfathersandmothersbythecivilcode，whichispuerileandhonest。Now，theseparentsgroan，theseoldfolksimploreus，thesegoodmenandthesegoodwomencallusprodigalsons；theydesireourreturn，andoffertokillcalvesforus。
　　Beingvirtuous，weobeythem。Atthehourwhenyoureadthis，fivefieryhorseswillbebearingustoourpapasandmammas。Wearepullingupourstakes，asBossuetsays。Wearegoing；wearegone。
　　WefleeinthearmsofLafitteandonthewingsofCaillard。
　　TheToulousediligencetearsusfromtheabyss，andtheabyssisyou，Oourlittlebeauties！Wereturntosociety，toduty，torespectability，atfulltrot，attherateofthreeleaguesanhour。
　　Itisnecessaryforthegoodofthecountrythatweshouldbe，liketherestoftheworld，prefects，fathersoffamilies，ruralpolice，andcouncillorsofstate。Venerateus。Wearesacrificingourselves。
　　Mournforusinhaste，andreplaceuswithspeed。Ifthisletterlaceratesyou，dothesamebyit。Adieu。
　　"Forthespaceofnearlytwoyearswehavemadeyouhappy。
　　Webearyounogrudgeforthat。
　　"Signed:
　　BLACHEVELLE。
　　FAMUEIL。
　　LISTOLIER。
　　FELIXTHOLOMYES。
　　"Postscriptum。Thedinnerispaidfor。"
　　Thefouryoungwomenlookedateachother。
　　Favouritewasthefirsttobreakthesilence。
　　"Well！"sheexclaimed，"it’saveryprettyfarce，allthesame。"
　　"Itisverydroll，"saidZephine。
　　"ThatmusthavebeenBlachevelle’sidea，"resumedFavourite。
　　"Itmakesmeinlovewithhim。Nosoonerishegonethanheisloved。
　　Thisisanadventure，indeed。"
　　"No，"saidDahlia；"itwasoneofTholomyes’ideas。Thatisevident。
　　"Inthatcase，"retortedFavourite，"deathtoBlachevelle，andlongliveTholomyes！"
　　"LongliveTholomyes！"exclaimedDahliaandZephine。
　　Andtheyburstoutlaughing。
　　Fantinelaughedwiththerest。
　　Anhourlater，whenshehadreturnedtoherroom，shewept。
　　Itwasherfirstloveaffair，aswehavesaid；shehadgivenherselftothisTholomyesastoahusband，andthepoorgirlhadachild。
　　BOOKFOURTH。——TOCONFIDEISSOMETIMESTODELIVERINTOAPERSON’SPOWER
　　CHAPTERI
　　ONEMOTHERMEETSANOTHERMOTHER
　　Therewas，atMontfermeil，nearParis，duringthefirstquarterofthiscentury，asortofcook—shopwhichnolongerexists。
　　Thiscook—shopwaskeptbysomepeoplenamedThenardier，husbandandwife。ItwassituatedinBoulangerLane。Overthedoortherewasaboardnailedflatagainstthewall。Uponthisboardwaspaintedsomethingwhichresembledamancarryinganothermanonhisback，thelatterwearingthebiggiltepaulettesofageneral，withlargesilverstars；redspotsrepresentedblood；therestofthepictureconsistedofsmoke，andprobablyrepresentedabattle。
　　Belowranthisinscription:ATTHESIGNOFSERGEANTOFWATERLOO
　　（AuSargentdeWaterloo）。
　　Nothingismorecommonthanacartoratruckatthedoorofahostelry。Nevertheless，thevehicle，or，tospeakmoreaccurately，thefragmentofavehicle，whichencumberedthestreetinfrontofthecook—shopoftheSergeantofWaterloo，oneeveninginthespringof1818，wouldcertainlyhaveattracted，byitsmass，theattentionofanypainterwhohadpassedthatway。
　　Itwasthefore—carriageofoneofthosetruckswhichareusedinwoodedtractsofcountry，andwhichservetotransportthickplanksandthetrunksoftrees。Thisfore—carriagewascomposedofamassiveironaxle—treewithapivot，intowhichwasfittedaheavyshaft，andwhichwassupportedbytwohugewheels。
　　Thewholethingwascompact，overwhelming，andmisshapen。
　　Itseemedlikethegun—carriageofanenormouscannon。Therutsoftheroadhadbestowedonthewheels，thefellies，thehub，theaxle，andtheshaft，alayerofmud，ahideousyellowishdaubinghue，tolerablylikethatwithwhichpeoplearefondofornamentingcathedrals。
　　Thewoodwasdisappearingundermud，andtheironbeneathrust。
　　Undertheaxle—treehung，likedrapery，ahugechain，worthyofsomeGoliathofaconvict。Thischainsuggested，notthebeams，whichitwasitsofficetotransport，butthemastodonsandmammothswhichitmighthaveservedtoharness；ithadtheairofthegalleys，butofcyclopeanandsuperhumangalleys，anditseemedtohavebeendetachedfromsomemonster。HomerwouldhaveboundPolyphemuswithit，andShakespeare，Caliban。
　　Whywasthatfore—carriageofatruckinthatplaceinthestreet？
　　Inthefirstplace，toencumberthestreet；next，inorderthatitmightfinishtheprocessofrusting。Thereisathrongofinstitutionsintheoldsocialorder，whichonecomesacrossinthisfashionasonewalksaboutoutdoors，andwhichhavenootherreasonsforexistencethantheabove。
　　Thecentreofthechainswungverynearthegroundinthemiddle，andintheloop，asintheropeofaswing，therewereseatedandgrouped，onthatparticularevening，inexquisiteinterlacement，twolittlegirls；oneabouttwoyearsandahalfold，theother，eighteenmonths；theyoungerinthearmsoftheother。Ahandkerchief，cleverlyknottedaboutthem，preventedtheirfallingout。
　　Amotherhadcaughtsightofthatfrightfulchain，andhadsaid，"Come！there’saplaythingformychildren。"
　　Thetwochildren，whoweredressedprettilyandwithsomeelegance，wereradiantwithpleasure；onewouldhavesaidthattheyweretworosesamidoldiron；theireyeswereatriumph；theirfreshcheekswerefulloflaughter。Onehadchestnuthair；theother，brown。
　　Theirinnocentfacesweretwodelightedsurprises；ablossomingshrubwhichgrewnearwaftedtothepassers—byperfumeswhichseemedtoemanatefromthem；thechildofeighteenmonthsdisplayedherprettylittlebarestomachwiththechasteindecencyofchildhood。
　　Aboveandaroundthesetwodelicateheads，allmadeofhappinessandsteepedinlight，thegiganticfore—carriage，blackwithrust，almostterrible，allentangledincurvesandwildangles，roseinavault，liketheentranceofacavern。Afewpacesapart，crouchingdownuponthethresholdofthehostelry，themother，notaveryprepossessingwoman，bytheway，thoughtouchingatthatmoment，wasswingingthetwochildrenbymeansofalongcord，watchingthemcarefully，forfearofaccidents，withthatanimalandcelestialexpressionwhichispeculiartomaternity。Ateverybackwardandforwardswingthehideouslinksemittedastridentsound，whichresembledacryofrage；thelittlegirlswereinecstasies；
　　thesettingsunmingledinthisjoy，andnothingcouldbemorecharmingthanthiscapriceofchancewhichhadmadeofachainofTitanstheswingofcherubim。
　　Assherockedherlittleones，themotherhummedinadiscordantvoicearomancethencelebrated:——
　　"Itmustbe，saidawarrior。"
　　Hersong，andthecontemplationofherdaughters，preventedherhearingandseeingwhatwasgoingoninthestreet。
　　Inthemeantime，someonehadapproachedher，asshewasbeginningthefirstcoupletoftheromance，andsuddenlysheheardavoicesayingverynearherear:——
　　"Youhavetwobeautifulchildrenthere，Madame。"
　　"TothefairandtenderImogene——"
　　repliedthemother，continuingherromance；thensheturnedherhead。
　　Awomanstoodbeforeher，afewpacesdistant。Thiswomanalsohadachild，whichshecarriedinherarms。
　　Shewascarrying，inaddition，alargecarpet—bag，whichseemedveryheavy。
　　Thiswoman’schildwasoneofthemostdivinecreaturesthatitispossibletobehold。ltwasagirl，twoorthreeyearsofage。
　　Shecouldhaveenteredintocompetitionwiththetwootherlittleones，sofarasthecoquetryofherdresswasconcerned；sheworeacapoffinelinen，ribbonsonherbodice，andValencienneslaceonhercap。
　　Thefoldsofherskirtwereraisedsoastopermitaviewofherwhite，firm，anddimpledleg。Shewasadmirablyrosyandhealthy。
　　Thelittlebeautyinspiredadesiretotakeabitefromtheapplesofhercheeks。Ofhereyesnothingcouldbeknown，exceptthattheymustbeverylarge，andthattheyhadmagnificentlashes。
　　Shewasasleep。
　　Shesleptwiththatslumberofabsoluteconfidencepeculiartoherage。Thearmsofmothersaremadeoftenderness；inthemchildrensleepprofoundly。
　　Asforthemother，herappearancewassadandpoverty—stricken。
　　Shewasdressedlikeaworking—womanwhoisinclinedtoturnintoapeasantagain。Shewasyoung。Wasshehandsome？Perhaps；butinthatattireitwasnotapparent。Herhair，agoldenlockofwhichhadescaped，seemedverythick，butwasseverelyconcealedbeneathanugly，tight，close，nun—likecap，tiedunderthechin。Asmiledisplaysbeautifulteethwhenonehasthem；butshedidnotsmile。
　　Hereyesdidnotseemtohavebeendryforaverylongtime。
　　Shewaspale；shehadaverywearyandrathersicklyappearance。
　　Shegazeduponherdaughterasleepinherarmswiththeairpeculiartoamotherwhohasnursedherownchild。Alargebluehandkerchief，suchastheInvalidesuse，wasfoldedintoafichu，andconcealedherfigureclumsily。Herhandsweresunburntandalldottedwithfreckles，herforefingerwashardenedandlaceratedwiththeneedle；sheworeacloakofcoarsebrownwoollenstuff，alinengown，andcoarseshoes。
　　ItwasFantine。
　　ItwasFantine，butdifficulttorecognize。Nevertheless，onscrutinizingherattentively，itwasevidentthatshestillretainedherbeauty。
　　Amelancholyfold，whichresembledthebeginningofirony，wrinkledherrightcheek。Asforhertoilette，thataerialtoiletteofmuslinandribbons，whichseemedmadeofmirth，offolly，andofmusic，fullofbells，andperfumedwithlilacshadvanishedlikethatbeautifulanddazzlinghoar—frostwhichismistakenfordiamondsinthesunlight；itmeltsandleavesthebranchquiteblack。
　　Tenmonthshadelapsedsincethe"prettyfarce。"
　　Whathadtakenplaceduringthosetenmonths？Itcanbedivined。
　　Afterabandonment，straightenedcircumstances。FantinehadimmediatelylostsightofFavourite，ZephineandDahlia；thebondoncebrokenonthesideofthemen，itwasloosedbetweenthewomen；
　　theywouldhavebeengreatlyastonishedhadanyonetoldthemafortnightlater，thattheyhadbeenfriends；therenolongerexistedanyreasonforsuchathing。Fantinehadremainedalone。
　　Thefatherofherchildgone，——alas！suchrupturesareirrevocable，——
　　shefoundherselfabsolutelyisolated，minusthehabitofworkandplusthetasteforpleasure。DrawnawaybyherliaisonwithTholomyestodisdaintheprettytradewhichsheknew，shehadneglectedtokeephermarketopen；itwasnowclosedtoher。Shehadnoresource。
　　Fantinebarelyknewhowtoread，anddidnotknowhowtowrite；
　　inherchildhoodshehadonlybeentaughttosignhername；
　　shehadapublicletter—writerinditeanepistletoTholomyes，thenasecond，thenathird。Tholomyesrepliedtononeofthem。
　　Fantineheardthegossipssay，astheylookedatherchild:
　　"Whotakesthosechildrenseriously！Oneonlyshrugsone’sshouldersoversuchchildren！"ThenshethoughtofTholomyes，whohadshruggedhisshouldersoverhischild，andwhodidnottakethatinnocentbeingseriously；andherheartgrewgloomytowardthatman。
　　Butwhatwasshetodo？Shenolongerknewtowhomtoapply。
　　Shehadcommittedafault，butthefoundationofhernature，aswillberemembered，wasmodestyandvirtue。Shewasvaguelyconsciousthatshewasonthevergeoffallingintodistress，andofglidingintoaworsestate。Couragewasnecessary；
　　shepossessedit，andheldherselffirm。TheideaofreturningtohernativetownofM。surM。occurredtoher。There，someonemightpossiblyknowherandgiveherwork；yes，butitwouldbenecessarytoconcealherfault。Inaconfusedwaysheperceivedthenecessityofaseparationwhichwouldbemorepainfulthanthefirstone。
　　Herheartcontracted，butshetookherresolution。Fantine，asweshallsee，hadthefiercebraveryoflife。Shehadalreadyvaliantlyrenouncedfinery，haddressedherselfinlinen，andhadputallhersilks，allherornaments，allherribbons，andallherlacesonherdaughter，theonlyvanitywhichwaslefttoher，andaholyoneitwas。Shesoldallthatshehad，whichproducedforhertwohundredfrancs；herlittledebtspaid，shehadonlyabouteightyfrancsleft。Attheageoftwenty—two，onabeautifulspringmorning，shequittedParis，bearingherchildonherback。
　　Anyonewhohadseenthesetwopasswouldhavehadpityonthem。
　　Thiswomanhad，inalltheworld，nothingbutherchild，andthechildhad，inalltheworld，noonebutthiswoman。Fantinehadnursedherchild，andthishadtiredherchest，andshecoughedalittle。
　　WeshallhavenofurtheroccasiontospeakofM。FelixTholomyes。
　　Letusconfineourselvestosaying，that，twentyyearslater，underKingLouisPhilippe，hewasagreatprovinciallawyer，wealthyandinfluential，awiseelector，andaveryseverejuryman；
　　hewasstillamanofpleasure。
　　Towardsthemiddleoftheday，afterhaving，fromtimetotime，forthesakeofrestingherself，travelled，forthreeorfoursousaleague，inwhatwasthenknownasthePetitesVoituresdesEnvironsdeParis，the"littlesuburbancoachservice，"FantinefoundherselfatMontfermeil，inthealleyBoulanger。
　　AsshepassedtheThenardierhostelry，thetwolittlegirls，blissfulinthemonsterswing，haddazzledherinamanner，andshehadhaltedinfrontofthatvisionofjoy。
　　Charmsexist。Thesetwolittlegirlswereacharmtothismother。
　　Shegazedattheminmuchemotion。ThepresenceofangelsisanannouncementofParadise。Shethoughtthat，abovethisinn，shebeheldthemysteriousHEREofProvidence。Thesetwolittlecreatureswereevidentlyhappy。Shegazedatthem，sheadmiredthem，insuchemotionthatatthemomentwhentheirmotherwasrecoveringherbreathbetweentwocoupletsofhersong，shecouldnotrefrainfromaddressingtohertheremarkwhichwehavejustread:——
　　"Youhavetwoprettychildren，Madame。"
　　Themostferociouscreaturesaredisarmedbycaressesbestowedontheiryoung。
　　Themotherraisedherheadandthankedher，andbadethewayfarersitdownonthebenchatthedoor，sheherselfbeingseatedonthethreshold。Thetwowomenbegantochat。
　　"MynameisMadameThenardier，"saidthemotherofthetwolittlegirls。
　　"Wekeepthisinn。"
　　Then，hermindstillrunningonherromance，sheresumedhummingbetweenherteeth:——
　　"Itmustbeso；Iamaknight，AndIamofftoPalestine。"
　　ThisMadameThenardierwasasandy—complexionedwoman，thinandangular——
　　thetypeofthesoldier’swifeinallitsunpleasantness；
　　andwhatwasodd，withalanguishingair，whichsheowedtoherperusalofromances。Shewasasimpering，butmasculinecreature。
　　Oldromancesproducethateffectwhenrubbedagainsttheimaginationofcook—shopwoman。Shewasstillyoung；shewasbarelythirty。
　　Ifthiscrouchingwomanhadstoodupright，herloftystatureandherframeofaperambulatingcolossussuitableforfairs，mighthavefrightenedthetravellerattheoutset，troubledherconfidence，anddisturbedwhatcausedwhatwehavetorelatetovanish。
　　Apersonwhoisseatedinsteadofstandingerect——destinieshanguponsuchathingasthat。
　　Thetravellertoldherstory，withslightmodifications。
　　Thatshewasaworking—woman；thatherhusbandwasdead；
　　thatherworkinParishadfailedher，andthatshewasonherwaytoseekitelsewhere，inherownnativeparts；thatshehadleftParisthatmorningonfoot；that，asshewascarryingherchild，andfeltfatigued，shehadgotintotheVillemomblecoachwhenshemetit；thatfromVillemombleshehadcometoMontfermeilonfoot；
　　thatthelittleonehadwalkedalittle，butnotmuch，becauseshewassoyoung，andthatshehadbeenobligedtotakeherup，andthejewelhadfallenasleep。
　　Atthiswordshebestowedonherdaughterapassionatekiss，whichwokeher。Thechildopenedhereyes，greatblueeyeslikehermother’s，andlookedat——what？Nothing；withthatseriousandsometimessevereairoflittlechildren，whichisamysteryoftheirluminousinnocenceinthepresenceofourtwilightofvirtue。Onewouldsaythattheyfeelthemselvestobeangels，andthattheyknowustobemen。Thenthechildbegantolaugh；
　　andalthoughthemotherheldfasttoher，sheslippedtothegroundwiththeunconquerableenergyofalittlebeingwhichwishedtorun。
　　Allatonceshecaughtsightofthetwoothersintheswing，stoppedshort，andputouthertongue，insignofadmiration。
　　MotherThenardierreleasedherdaughters，madethemdescendfromtheswing，andsaid:——
　　"Nowamuseyourselves，allthreeofyou。"
　　Childrenbecomeacquaintedquicklyatthatage，andattheexpirationofaminutethelittleThenardierswereplayingwiththenew—comeratmakingholesintheground，whichwasanimmensepleasure。
　　Thenew—comerwasverygay；thegoodnessofthemotheriswritteninthegayetyofthechild；shehadseizedascrapofwoodwhichservedherforashovel，andenergeticallydugacavitybigenoughforafly。Thegrave—digger’sbusinessbecomesasubjectforlaughterwhenperformedbyachild。
　　Thetwowomenpursuedtheirchat。
　　"Whatisyourlittleone’sname？"
　　"Cosette。"
　　ForCosette，readEuphrasie。Thechild’snamewasEuphrasie。
　　ButoutofEuphrasiethemotherhadmadeCosettebythatsweetandgracefulinstinctofmothersandofthepopulacewhichchangesJosephaintoPepita，andFrancoiseintoSillette。Itisasortofderivativewhichdisarrangesanddisconcertsthewholescienceofetymologists。WehaveknownagrandmotherwhosucceededinturningTheodoreintoGnon。
　　"Howoldisshe？"
　　"Sheisgoingonthree。"
　　"Thatistheageofmyeldest。"
　　Inthemeantime，thethreelittlegirlsweregroupedinanattitudeofprofoundanxietyandblissfulness；aneventhadhappened；
　　abigwormhademergedfromtheground，andtheywereafraid；
　　andtheywereinecstasiesoverit。
　　Theirradiantbrowstouchedeachother；onewouldhavesaidthattherewerethreeheadsinoneaureole。
　　"Howeasilychildrengetacquaintedatonce！"exclaimedMotherThenardier；
　　"onewouldswearthattheywerethreesisters！"
　　Thisremarkwasprobablythesparkwhichtheothermotherhadbeenwaitingfor。SheseizedtheThenardier’shand，lookedatherfixedly，andsaid:——
　　"Willyoukeepmychildforme？"
　　TheThenardiermadeoneofthosemovementsofsurprisewhichsignifyneitherassentnorrefusal。
　　Cosette’smothercontinued:——
　　"Yousee，Icannottakemydaughtertothecountry。Myworkwillnotpermitit。Withachildonecanfindnosituation。
　　Peopleareridiculousinthecountry。ItwasthegoodGodwhocausedmetopassyourinn。WhenIcaughtsightofyourlittleones，sopretty，soclean，andsohappy，itoverwhelmedme。Isaid:
　　`Hereisagoodmother。Thatisjustthething；thatwillmakethreesisters。’Andthen，itwillnotbelongbeforeIreturn。
　　Willyoukeepmychildforme？"
　　"Imustseeaboutit，"repliedtheThenardier。
　　"Iwillgiveyousixfrancsamonth。"
　　Hereaman’svoicecalledfromthedepthsofthecook—shop:——
　　"Notforlessthansevenfrancs。Andsixmonthspaidinadvance。"
　　"Sixtimessevenmakesforty—two，"saidtheThenardier。
　　"Iwillgiveit，"saidthemother。
　　"Andfifteenfrancsinadditionforpreliminaryexpenses，"
　　addedtheman’svoice。
　　"Total，fifty—sevenfrancs，"saidMadameThenardier。Andshehummedvaguely，withthesefigures:——
　　"Itmustbe，saidawarrior。"
　　"Iwillpayit，"saidthemother。"Ihaveeightyfrancs。Ishallhaveenoughlefttoreachthecountry，bytravellingonfoot。
　　Ishallearnmoneythere，andassoonasIhavealittleIwillreturnformydarling。"
　　Theman’svoiceresumed:——
　　"Thelittleonehasanoutfit？"
　　"Thatismyhusband，"saidtheThenardier。
　　"Ofcourseshehasanoutfit，thepoortreasure。——Iunderstoodperfectlythatitwasyourhusband。——Andabeautifuloutfit，too！asenselessoutfit，everythingbythedozen，andsilkgownslikealady。Itishere，inmycarpet—bag。"
　　"Youmusthanditover，"struckintheman’svoiceagain。
　　"OfcourseIshallgiveittoyou，"saidthemother。"ItwouldbeveryqueerifIweretoleavemydaughterquitenaked！"
　　Themaster’sfaceappeared。
　　"That’sgood，"saidhe。
　　Thebargainwasconcluded。Themotherpassedthenightattheinn，gaveuphermoneyandleftherchild，fastenedhercarpet—bagoncemore，nowreducedinvolumebytheremovaloftheoutfit，andlighthenceforthandsetoutonthefollowingmorning，intendingtoreturnsoon。Peoplearrangesuchdeparturestranquilly；
　　buttheyaredespairs！
　　AneighboroftheThenardiersmetthismotherasshewassettingout，andcamebackwiththeremark:——
　　"Ihavejustseenawomancryinginthestreetsothatitwasenoughtorendyourheart。"
　　WhenCosette’smotherhadtakenherdeparture，themansaidtothewoman:——
　　"Thatwillservetopaymynoteforonehundredandtenfrancswhichfallsdueto—morrow；Ilackedfiftyfrancs。DoyouknowthatIshouldhavehadabailiffandaprotestafterme？
　　Youplayedthemouse—trapnicelywithyouryoungones。"
　　"Withoutsuspectingit，"saidthewoman。
　　CHAPTERII
　　FIRSTSKETCHOFTWOUNPREPOSSESSINGFIGURES
　　Themousewhichhadbeencaughtwasapitifulspecimen；butthecatrejoicesevenoveraleanmouse。
　　WhoweretheseThenardiers？
　　Letussayawordortwoofthemnow。Wewillcompletethesketchlateron。
　　Thesebeingsbelongedtothatbastardclasscomposedofcoarsepeoplewhohavebeensuccessful，andofintelligentpeoplewhohavedescendedinthescale，whichisbetweentheclasscalled"middle"
　　andtheclassdenominatedas"inferior，"andwhichcombinessomeofthedefectsofthesecondwithnearlyallthevicesofthefirst，withoutpossessingthegenerousimpulseoftheworkingmannorthehonestorderofthebourgeois。
　　Theywereofthosedwarfednatureswhich，ifadullfirechancestowarmthemup，easilybecomemonstrous。Therewasinthewomanasubstratumofthebrute，andinthemanthematerialforablackguard。
　　Bothweresusceptible，inthehighestdegree，ofthesortofhideousprogresswhichisaccomplishedinthedirectionofevil。Thereexistcrab—likesoulswhicharecontinuallyretreatingtowardsthedarkness，retrogradinginliferatherthanadvancing，employingexperiencetoaugmenttheirdeformity，growingincessantlyworse，andbecomingmoreandmoreimpregnatedwithanever—augmentingblackness。
　　Thismanandwomanpossessedsuchsouls。
　　Thenardier，inparticular，wastroublesomeforaphysiognomist。
　　Onecanonlylookatsomementodistrustthem；foronefeelsthattheyaredarkinbothdirections。Theyareuneasyintherearandthreateninginfront。Thereissomethingoftheunknownaboutthem。
　　Onecannomoreanswerforwhattheyhavedonethanforwhattheywilldo。Theshadowwhichtheybearintheirglancedenouncesthem。
　　Frommerelyhearingthemutterawordorseeingthemmakeagesture，oneobtainsaglimpseofsombresecretsintheirpastandofsombremysteriesintheirfuture。
　　ThisThenardier，ifhehimselfwastobebelieved，hadbeenasoldier——
　　asergeant，hesaid。Hehadprobablybeenthroughthecampaignof1815，andhadevenconductedhimselfwithtolerablevalor，itwouldseem。
　　Weshallseelateronhowmuchtruththerewasinthis。Thesignofhishostelrywasinallusiontooneofhisfeatsofarms。
　　Hehadpaintedithimself；forheknewhowtodoalittleofeverything，andbadly。
　　Itwasattheepochwhentheancientclassicalromancewhich，afterhavingbeenClelie，wasnolongeranythingbutLodoiska，stillnoble，butevermoreandmorevulgar，havingfallenfromMademoiselledeScuderitoMadameBournon—Malarme，andfromMadamedeLafayettetoMadameBarthelemy—Hadot，wassettingthelovingheartsoftheportressesofParisaflame，andevenravagingthesuburbstosomeextent。
　　MadameThenardierwasjustintelligentenoughtoreadthissortofbooks。
　　Shelivedonthem。Inthemshedrownedwhatbrainsshepossessed。
　　Thishadgivenher，whenveryyoung，andevenalittlelater，asortofpensiveattitudetowardsherhusband，ascampofacertaindepth，aruffianletteredtotheextentofthegrammar，coarseandfineatoneandthesametime，but，sofarassentimentalismwasconcerned，giventotheperusalofPigault—Lebrun，and"inwhatconcernsthesex，"
　　ashesaidinhisjargon——adownright，unmitigatedlout。Hiswifewastwelveorfifteenyearsyoungerthanhewas。Lateron，whenherhair，arrangedinaromanticallydroopingfashion，begantogrowgray，whentheMagaerabegantobedevelopedfromthePamela，thefemaleThenardierwasnothingbutacoarse，viciouswoman，whohaddabbledinstupidromances。Now，onecannotreadnonsensewithimpunity。
　　TheresultwasthathereldestdaughterwasnamedEponine；asfortheyounger，thepoorlittlethingcamenearbeingcalledGulnare；
　　Iknownottowhatdiversion，effectedbyaromanceofDucray—Dumenil，sheowedthefactthatshemerelyborethenameofAzelma。
　　However，wewillremarkbytheway，everythingwasnotridiculousandsuperficialinthatcuriousepochtowhichwearealluding，andwhichmaybedesignatedastheanarchyofbaptismalnames。
　　Bythesideofthisromanticelementwhichwehavejustindicatedthereisthesocialsymptom。Itisnotrarefortheneatherd’sboynowadaystobearthenameofArthur，Alfred，orAlphonse，andforthevicomte——iftherearestillanyvicomtes——tobecalledThomas，Pierre，orJacques。Thisdisplacement，whichplacesthe"elegant"nameontheplebeianandtherusticnameonthearistocrat，isnothingelsethananeddyofequality。Theirresistiblepenetrationofthenewinspirationisthereaseverywhereelse。
　　Beneaththisapparentdiscordthereisagreatandaprofoundthing，——
　　theFrenchRevolution。