BOOKFIFTH。——GRANDSONANDGRANDFATHER
　　CHAPTERI
　　INWHICHTHETREEWITHTHEZINCPLASTERAPPEARSAGAIN
　　Sometimeaftertheeventswhichwehavejustrecorded，SieurBoulatruelleexperiencedalivelyemotion。
　　SieurBoulatruellewasthatroad—menderofMontfermeilwhomthereaderhasalreadyseeninthegloomypartsofthisbook。
　　Boulatruelle，asthereadermay，perchance，recall，wasamanwhowasoccupiedwithdiversandtroublesomematters。Hebrokestonesanddamagedtravellersonthehighway。
　　Road—menderandthiefashewas，hecherishedonedream；hebelievedinthetreasuresburiedintheforestofMontfermeil。Hehopedsomedaytofindthemoneyintheearthatthefootofatree；
　　inthemeanwhile，helivedtosearchthepocketsofpassers—by。
　　Nevertheless，foraninstant，hewasprudent。Hehadjustescapedneatly。Hehadbeen，asthereaderisaware，pickedupinJondrette’sgarretincompanywiththeotherruffians。
　　Utilityofavice:hisdrunkennesshadbeenhissalvation。
　　Theauthoritieshadneverbeenabletomakeoutwhetherhehadbeenthereinthequalityofarobberoramanwhohadbeenrobbed。
　　Anorderofnolleprosequi，foundedonhiswellauthenticatedstateofintoxicationontheeveningoftheambush，hadsethimatliberty。
　　Hehadtakentohisheels。HehadreturnedtohisroadfromGagnytoLagny，tomake，underadministrativesupervision，brokenstoneforthegoodofthestate，withdowncastmien，inaverypensivemood，hisardorfortheftsomewhatcooled；buthewasaddictednonethelesstenderlytothewinewhichhadrecentlysavedhim。
　　Asforthelivelyemotionwhichhehadexperiencedashorttimeafterhisreturntohisroad—mender’sturf—thatchedcot，hereitis:
　　Onemorning，Boulatruelle，whileonhiswayaswashiswont，tohiswork，andpossiblyalsotohisambush，alittlebeforedaybreakcaughtsight，throughthebranchesofthetrees，ofaman，whosebackalonehesaw，buttheshapeofwhoseshoulders，asitseemedtohimatthatdistanceandintheearlydusk，wasnotentirelyunfamiliartohim。Boulatruelle，althoughintoxicated，hadacorrectandlucidmemory，adefensivearmthatisindispensabletoanyonewhoisatallinconflictwithlegalorder。
　　"WherethedeucehaveIseensomethinglikethatmanyonder？"
　　hesaidtohimself。Buthecouldmakehimselfnoanswer，exceptthatthemanresembledsomeoneofwhomhismemorypreservedaconfusedtrace。
　　However，apartfromtheidentitywhichhecouldnotmanagetocatch，Boulatruelleputthingstogetherandmadecalculations。Thismandidnotbelonginthecountry—side。Hehadjustarrivedthere。
　　Onfoot，evidently。NopublicconveyancepassesthroughMontfermeilatthathour。Hehadwalkedallnight。Whencecamehe？Notfromaverygreatdistance；forhehadneitherhaversack，norbundle。
　　FromParis，nodoubt。Whywasheinthesewoods？whywashethereatsuchanhour？whathadhecometherefor？
　　Boulatruellethoughtofthetreasure。Bydintofransackinghismemory，herecalledinavaguewaythathehadalready，manyyearsbefore，hadasimilaralarminconnectionwithamanwhoproducedonhimtheeffectthathemightwellbethisveryindividual。
　　"Bythedeuce，"saidBoulatruelle，"I’llfindhimagain。
　　I’lldiscovertheparishofthatparishioner。ThisprowlerofPatron—Minettehasareason，andI’llknowit。Peoplecan’thavesecretsinmyforestifIdon’thaveafingerinthepie。"
　　Hetookhispick—axewhichwasverysharplypointed。
　　"Therenow，"hegrumbled，"issomethingthatwillsearchtheearthandaman。"
　　And，asoneknotsonethreadtoanotherthread，hetookupthelineofmarchathisbestpaceinthedirectionwhichthemanmustfollow，andsetoutacrossthethickets。
　　Whenhehadcompassedahundredstrides，theday，whichwasalreadybeginningtobreak，cametohisassistance。Footprintsstampedinthesand，weedstroddendownhereandthere，heathercrushed，youngbranchesinthebrushwoodbentandintheactofstraighteningthemselvesupagainwiththegracefuldeliberationofthearmsofaprettywomanwhostretchesherselfwhenshewakes，pointedouttohimasortoftrack。Hefollowedit，thenlostit。Timewasflying。
　　Heplungeddeeperintothewoodsandcametoasortofeminence。
　　Anearlyhuntsmanwhowaspassinginthedistancealongapath，whistlingtheairofGuillery，suggestedtohimtheideaofclimbingatree。Oldashewas，hewasagile。Therestoodcloseathandabeech—treeofgreatsize，worthyofTityrusandofBoulatruelle。
　　Boulatruelleascendedthebeechashighashewasable。
　　Theideawasagoodone。Onscrutinizingthesolitarywasteonthesidewheretheforestisthoroughlyentangledandwild，Boulatruellesuddenlycaughtsightofhisman。
　　Hardlyhadhegothiseyeuponhimwhenhelostsightofhim。
　　Themanentered，orrather，glidedinto，anopenglade，ataconsiderabledistance，maskedbylargetrees，butwithwhichBoulatruellewasperfectlyfamiliar，onaccountofhavingnoticed，nearalargepileofporousstones，anailingchestnut—treebandagedwithasheetofzincnaileddirectlyuponthebark。
　　ThisgladewastheonewhichwasformerlycalledtheBlaru—bottom。
　　Theheapofstones，destinedfornooneknowswhatemployment，whichwasvisibletherethirtyyearsago，isdoubtlessstillthere。
　　Nothingequalsaheapofstonesinlongevity，unlessitisaboardfence。
　　Theyaretemporaryexpedients。Whatareasonforlasting！
　　Boulatruelle，withtherapidityofjoy，droppedratherthandescendedfromthetree。Thelairwasunearthed，thequestionnowwastoseizethebeast。Thatfamoustreasureofhisdreamswasprobablythere。
　　Itwasnosmallmattertoreachthatglade。Bythebeatenpaths，whichindulgeinathousandteasingzigzags，itrequiredagoodquarterofanhour。Inabee—line，throughtheunderbrush，whichispeculiarlydense，verythorny，andveryaggressiveinthatlocality，afullhalfhourwasnecessary。Boulatruellecommittedtheerrorofnotcomprehendingthis。Hebelievedinthestraightline；
　　arespectableopticalillusionwhichruinsmanyaman。Thethicket，bristlingasitwas，struckhimasthebestroad。
　　"Let’staketothewolves’RuedeRivoli，"saidhe。
　　Boulatruelle，accustomedtotakingcrookedcourses，wasonthisoccasionguiltyofthefaultofgoingstraight。
　　Heflunghimselfresolutelyintothetangleofundergrowth。
　　Hehadtodealwithhollybushes，nettles，hawthorns，eglantines，thistles，andveryirasciblebrambles。Hewasmuchlacerated。
　　Atthebottomoftheravinehefoundwaterwhichhewasobligedtotraverse。
　　AtlasthereachedtheBlaru—bottom，afterthelapseoffortyminutes，sweating，soaked，breathless，scratched，andferocious。
　　Therewasnooneintheglade。Boulatruellerushedtotheheapofstones。Itwasinitsplace。Ithadnotbeencarriedoff。
　　Asfortheman，hehadvanishedintheforest。Hehadmadehisescape。
　　Where？inwhatdirection？intowhatthicket？Impossibletoguess。
　　And，heartrendingtosay，there，behindthepileofstones，infrontofthetreewiththesheetofzinc，wasfreshlyturnedearth，apick—axe，abandonedorforgotten，andahole。
　　Theholewasempty。
　　"Thief！"shriekedBoulatruelle，shakinghisfistatthehorizon。
　　CHAPTERII
　　MARIUS，EMERGINGFROMCIVILWAR，MAKESREADYFORDOMESTICWAR
　　Foralongtime，Mariuswasneitherdeadnoralive。Formanyweekshelayinafeveraccompaniedbydelirium，andbytolerablygravecerebralsymptoms，causedmorebytheshocksofthewoundsontheheadthanbythewoundsthemselves。
　　HerepeatedCosette’snameforwholenightsinthemelancholyloquacityoffever，andwiththesombreobstinacyofagony。Theextentofsomeofthelesionspresentedaseriousdanger，thesuppurationoflargewoundsbeingalwaysliabletobecomere—absorbed，andconsequently，tokillthesickman，undercertainatmosphericconditions；ateverychangeofweather，attheslighteststorm，thephysicianwasuneasy。
　　"Aboveallthings，"herepeated，"letthewoundedmanbesubjectedtonoemotion。"Thedressingofthewoundswascomplicatedanddifficult，thefixationofapparatusandbandagesbycereclothsnothavingbeeninventedasyet，atthatepoch。
　　Nicoletteusedupasheet"asbigastheceiling，"assheputit，forlint。Itwasnotwithoutdifficultythatthechlorurettedlotionsandthenitrateofsilverovercamethegangrene。
　　Aslongastherewasanydanger，M。Gillenormand，seatedindespairathisgrandson’spillow，was，likeMarius，neitheralivenordead。
　　Everyday，sometimestwiceaday，averywelldressedgentlemanwithwhitehair，——suchwasthedescriptiongivenbytheporter，——
　　cametoinquireaboutthewoundedman，andleftalargepackageoflintforthedressings。
　　Finally，onthe7thofSeptember，fourmonthstoaday，afterthesorrowfulnightwhenhehadbeenbroughtbacktohisgrandfatherinadyingcondition，thedoctordeclaredthathewouldanswerforMarius。Convalescencebegan。ButMariuswasforcedtoremainfortwomonthsmorestretchedoutonalongchair，onaccountoftheresultscalledupbythefractureofhiscollar—bone。Therealwaysisalastwoundlikethatwhichwillnotclose，andwhichprolongsthedressingsindefinitely，tothegreatannoyanceofthesickperson。
　　However，thislongillnessandthislongconvalescencesavedhimfromallpursuit。InFrance，thereisnowrath，notevenofapubliccharacter，whichsixmonthswillnotextinguish。Revolts，inthepresentstateofsociety，aresomuchthefaultofeveryone，thattheyarefollowedbyacertainnecessityofshuttingtheeyes。
　　Letusadd，thattheinexcusableGisquetorder，whichenjoineddoctorstolodgeinformationagainstthewounded，havingoutragedpublicopinion，andnotopinionalone，buttheKingfirstofall，thewoundedwerecoveredandprotectedbythisindignation；and，withtheexceptionofthosewhohadbeenmadeprisonersintheveryactofcombat，thecouncilsofwardidnotdaretotroubleanyone。
　　SoMariuswasleftinpeace。
　　M。Gillenormandfirstpassedthroughallmannerofanguish，andthenthrougheveryformofecstasy。Itwasfounddifficulttopreventhispassingeverynightbesidethewoundedman；hehadhisbigarm—chaircarriedtoMarius’bedside；herequiredhisdaughtertotakethefinestlineninthehouseforcompressesandbandages。
　　MademoiselleGillenormand，likeasageandelderlyperson，contrivedtosparethefinelinen，whileallowingthegrandfathertothinkthathewasobeyed。M。Gillenormandwouldnotpermitanyonetoexplaintohim，thatforthepreparationoflintbatisteisnotnearlysogoodascoarselinen，nornewlinenasoldlinen。HewaspresentatallthedressingsofthewoundsfromwhichMademoiselleGillenormandmodestlyabsentedherself。
　　Whenthedeadfleshwascutawaywithscissors，hesaid:"Aie！aie！"
　　Nothingwasmoretouchingthantoseehimwithhisgentle，senilepalsy，offerthewoundedmanacupofhiscooling—draught。
　　Heoverwhelmedthedoctorwithquestions。Hedidnotobservethatheaskedthesameonesoverandoveragain。
　　OnthedaywhenthedoctorannouncedtohimthatMariuswasoutofdanger，thegoodmanwasinadelirium。Hemadehisporterapresentofthreelouis。Thatevening，onhisreturntohisownchamber，hedancedagavotte，usinghisthumbandforefingerascastanets，andhesangthefollowingsong:
　　"JeanneestneeaFougere"Amour，tuvisenelle；
　　Vrainidd’unebergere；Carc’estdanssaprunelleJ’adoresonjupon，Quetumetstoncarquois。
　　Fripon。Narquois！
　　"Moi，jelachante，etj’aime，PlusqueDianememe，JeanneetsesdurstetonsBretons。"[61]
　　[61]"JeannewasbornatFougere，atrueshepherd’snest；Iadoreherpetticoat，therogue。
　　"Love，thoudwellestinher；For’tisinhereyesthatthouplacestthyquiver，slyscamp！
　　"Asforme，Isingher，andIlove，morethanDianaherself，JeanneandherfirmBretonbreasts。"
　　Thenhekneltuponachair，andBasque，whowaswatchinghimthroughthehalf—opendoor，madesurethathewaspraying。
　　Uptothattime，hehadnotbelievedinGod。
　　Ateachsucceedingphaseofimprovement，whichbecamemoreandmorepronounced，thegrandfatherraved。Heexecutedamultitudeofmechanicalactionsfullofjoy；heascendedanddescendedthestairs，withoutknowingwhy。Aprettyfemaleneighborwasamazedonemorningatreceivingabigbouquet；itwasM。Gillenormandwhohadsentittoher。Thehusbandmadeajealousscene。M。GillenormandtriedtodrawNicoletteuponhisknees。HecalledMarius，"M。leBaron。"
　　Heshouted:"LonglivetheRepublic！"
　　Everymoment，hekeptaskingthedoctor:"Ishenolongerindanger？"
　　HegazeduponMariuswiththeeyesofagrandmother。Hebroodedoverhimwhileheate。Henolongerknewhimself，henolongerrenderedhimselfanaccountofhimself。Mariuswasthemasterofthehouse，therewasabdicationinhisjoy，hewasthegrandsonofhisgrandson。
　　Inthestateofjoyinwhichhethenwas，hewasthemostvenerableofchildren。Inhisfearlesthemightfatigueorannoytheconvalescent，hesteppedbehindhimtosmile。Hewascontent，joyous，delighted，charming，young。Hiswhitelocksaddedagentlemajestytothegayradianceofhisvisage。Whengraceismingledwithwrinkles，itisadorable。Thereisanindescribableaurorainbeamingoldage。
　　AsforMarius，asheallowedthemtodresshiswoundsandcareforhim，hehadbutonefixedidea:Cosette。
　　Afterthefeveranddeliriumhadlefthim，hedidnotagainpronouncehername，anditmighthavebeensupposedthathenolongerthoughtofher。Heheldhispeace，preciselybecausehissoulwasthere。
　　HedidnotknowwhathadbecomeofCosette；thewholeaffairoftheRuedelaChanvreriewaslikeacloudinhismemory；shadowsthatwerealmostindistinct，floatedthroughhismind，Eponine，Gavroche，Mabeuf，theThenardiers，allhisfriendsgloomilyintermingledwiththesmokeofthebarricade；thestrangepassageofM。Faucheleventthroughthatadventureproducedonhimtheeffectofapuzzleinatempest；
　　heunderstoodnothingconnectedwithhisownlife，hedidnotknowhownorbywhomhehadbeensaved，andnooneofthosearoundhimknewthis；allthattheyhadbeenabletotellhimwas，thathehadbeenbroughthomeatnightinahackney—coach，totheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire；past，present，futurewerenothingmoretohimthanthemistofavagueidea；butinthatfogtherewasoneimmovablepoint，oneclearandpreciseoutline，somethingmadeofgranite，aresolution，awill；tofindCosetteoncemore。
　　Forhim，theideaoflifewasnotdistinctfromtheideaofCosette。
　　Hehaddecreedinhisheartthathewouldnotaccepttheonewithouttheother，andhewasimmovablyresolvedtoexactofanypersonwhatever，whoshoulddesiretoforcehimtolive，——fromhisgrandfather，fromfate，fromhell，——therestitutionofhisvanishedEden。
　　Hedidnotconcealfromhimselfthefactthatobstaclesexisted。
　　Letushereemphasizeonedetail，hewasnotwonoverandwasbutlittlesoftenedbyallthesolicitudeandtendernessofhisgrandfather。
　　Inthefirstplace，hewasnotinthesecret；then，inhisreveriesofaninvalid，whichwerestillfeverish，possibly，hedistrustedthistendernessasastrangeandnovelthing，whichhadforitsobjecthisconquest。Heremainedcold。Thegrandfatherabsolutelywastedhispooroldsmile。Mariussaidtohimselfthatitwasallrightsolongashe，Marius，didnotspeak，andletthingstaketheircourse；butthatwhenitbecameaquestionofCosette，hewouldfindanotherface，andthathisgrandfather’strueattitudewouldbeunmasked。Thentherewouldbeanunpleasantscene；
　　arecrudescenceoffamilyquestions，aconfrontationofpositions，everysortofsarcasmandallmannerofobjectionsatoneandthesametime，Fauchelevent，Coupelevent，fortune，poverty，astoneabouthisneck，thefuture。Violentresistance；conclusion:arefusal。
　　Mariusstiffenedhimselfinadvance。
　　Andthen，inproportionasheregainedlife，theoldulcersofhismemoryopenedoncemore，hereflectedagainonthepast，ColonelPontmercyplacedhimselfoncemorebetweenM。Gillenormandandhim，Marius，hetoldhimselfthathehadnotruekindnesstoexpectfromapersonwhohadbeensounjustandsohardtohisfather。
　　Andwithhealth，therereturnedtohimasortofharshnesstowardshisgrandfather。Theoldmanwasgentlypainedbythis。
　　M。Gillenormand，withouthoweverallowingittoappear，observedthatMarius，eversincethelatterhadbeenbroughtbacktohimandhadregainedconsciousness，hadnotoncecalledhimfather。
　　Itistruethathedidnotsay"monsieur"tohim；buthecontrivednottosayeithertheoneortheother，bymeansofacertainwayofturninghisphrases。Obviously，acrisiswasapproaching。
　　Asalmostalwayshappensinsuchcases，Mariusskirmishedbeforegivingbattle，bywayofprovinghimself。Thisiscalled"feelingtheground。"OnemorningitcametopassthatM。GillenormandspokeslightinglyoftheConvention，aproposofanewspaperwhichhadfallenintohishands，andgaveventtoaRoyalistharangueonDanton，Saint—JusteandRobespierre。——"Themenof’93weregiants，"
　　saidMariuswithseverity。Theoldmanheldhispeace，andutterednotasoundduringtheremainderofthatday。
　　Marius，whohadalwayspresenttohismindtheinflexiblegrandfatherofhisearlyyears，interpretedthissilenceasaprofoundconcentrationofwrath，auguredfromitahotconflict，andaugmentedhispreparationsforthefrayintheinmostrecessesofhismind。
　　Hedecidedthat，incaseofarefusal，hewouldtearoffhisbandages，dislocatehiscollar—bone，thathewouldlaybareallthewoundswhichhehadleft，andwouldrejectallfood。Hiswoundswerehismunitionsofwar。HewouldhaveCosetteordie。
　　Heawaitedthepropitiousmomentwiththecraftypatienceofthesick。
　　Thatmomentarrived。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　MARIUSATTACKED
　　Oneday，M。Gillenormand，whilehisdaughterwasputtinginorderthephialsandcupsonthemarbleofthecommode，bentoverMariusandsaidtohiminhistenderestaccents:"Lookhere，mylittleMarius，ifIwereinyourplace，Iwouldeatmeatnowinpreferencetofish。
　　Afriedsoleisexcellenttobeginaconvalescencewith，butagoodcutletisneededtoputasickmanonhisfeet。"
　　Marius，whohadalmostentirelyrecoveredhisstrength，collectedthewholeofit，drewhimselfupintoasittingposture，laidhistwoclenchedfistsonthesheetsofhisbed，lookedhisgrandfatherintheface，assumedaterribleair，andsaid:
　　"Thisleadsmetosaysomethingtoyou。"
　　"Whatisit？"
　　"ThatIwishtomarry。"
　　"Agreed，"saidhisgrandfather。——Andheburstoutlaughing。
　　"Howagreed？"
　　"Yes，agreed。Youshallhaveyourlittlegirl。"
　　Marius，stunnedandoverwhelmedwiththedazzlingshock，trembledineverylimb。
　　M。Gillenormandwenton:
　　"Yes，youshallhaveher，thatprettylittlegirlofyours。
　　Shecomeseverydayintheshapeofanoldgentlemantoinquireafteryou。Eversinceyouwerewounded，shehaspassedhertimeinweepingandmakinglint。Ihavemadeinquiries。ShelivesintheRuedel’HommeArme，No。7。Ah！Therewehaveit！
　　Ah！soyouwanther！Well，youshallhaveher。You’recaught。
　　Youhadarrangedyourlittleplot，youhadsaidtoyourself:——`I’mgoingtosignifythissquarelytomygrandfather，tothatmummyoftheRegencyandoftheDirectory，tothatancientbeau，tothatDoranteturnedGeronte；hehasindulgedinhisfrivolitiesalso，thathehas，andhehashadhisloveaffairs，andhisgrisettesandhisCosettes；hehasmadehisrustle，hehashadhiswings，hehaseatenofthebreadofspring；hecertainlymustrememberit。’
　　Ah！youtakethecockchaferbythehorns。That’sgood。Iofferyouacutletandyouanswerme:`Bytheway，Iwanttomarry。’
　　There’satransitionforyou！Ah！youreckonedonabickering！
　　YoudonotknowthatIamanoldcoward。Whatdoyousaytothat？
　　Youarevexed？Youdidnotexpecttofindyourgrandfatherstillmorefoolishthanyourself，youarewastingthediscoursewhichyoumeanttobestowuponme，Mr。Lawyer，andthat’svexatious。
　　Well，somuchtheworse，rageaway。I’lldowhateveryouwish，andthatcutsyoushort，imbecile！Listen。Ihavemademyinquiries，I’mcunningtoo；sheischarming，sheisdiscreet，itisnottrueaboutthelancer，shehasmadeheapsoflint，she’sajewel，sheadoresyou，ifyouhaddied，therewouldhavebeenthreeofus，hercoffinwouldhaveaccompaniedmine。Ihavehadanidea，eversinceyouhavebeenbetter，ofsimplyplantingheratyourbedside，butitisonlyinromancesthatyounggirlsarebroughttothebedsidesofhandsomeyoungwoundedmenwhointerestthem。Itisnotdone。
　　Whatwouldyouraunthavesaidtoit？Youwerenudethreequartersofthetime，mygoodfellow。AskNicolette，whohasnotleftyouforamoment，iftherewasanypossibilityofhavingawomanhere。
　　Andthen，whatwouldthedoctorhavesaid？Aprettygirldoesnotcureamanoffever。Inshort，it’sallright，letussaynomoreaboutit，all’ssaid，all’sdone，it’sallsettled，takeher。
　　Suchismyferocity。Yousee，Iperceivedthatyoudidnotloveme。
　　Isaidtomyself:`Herenow，IhavemylittleCosetterightundermyhand，I’mgoingtogivehertohim，hewillbeobligedtolovemealittlethen，orhemusttellthereasonwhy。’Ah！soyouthoughtthattheoldmanwasgoingtostorm，toputonabigvoice，toshoutno，andtolifthiscaneatallthataurora。Notabitofit。Cosette，sobeit；love，sobeit；Iasknothingbetter。
　　Praytakethetroubleofgettingmarried，sir。Behappy，mywell—belovedchild。"
　　Thatsaid，theoldmanburstforthintosobs。
　　AndheseizedMarius’head，andpresseditwithbotharmsagainsthisbreast，andbothfelltoweeping。Thisisoneoftheformsofsupremehappiness。
　　"Father！"criedMarius。
　　"Ah，soyouloveme！"saidtheoldman。
　　Anineffablemomentensued。Theywerechokingandcouldnotspeak。
　　Atlengththeoldmanstammered:
　　"Come！hismouthisunstoppedatlast。Hehassaid:`Father’tome。"
　　Mariusdisengagedhisheadfromhisgrandfather’sarms，andsaidgently:
　　"But，father，nowthatIamquitewell，itseemstomethatI
　　mightseeher。"
　　"Agreedagain，youshallseeherto—morrow。"
　　"Father！"
　　"What？"
　　"Whynotto—day？"
　　"Well，to—daythen。Letitbeto—day。Youhavecalledme`father’
　　threetimes，anditisworthit。Iwillattendtoit。Sheshallbebroughthither。Agreed，Itellyou。Ithasalreadybeenputintoverse。Thisistheendingoftheelegyofthe`JeuneMalade’
　　byAndreChenier，byAndreChenierwhosethroatwascutbytheras……bythegiantsof’93。"
　　M。GillenormandfanciedthathedetectedafaintfrownonthepartofMarius，who，intruth，aswemustadmit，wasnolongerlisteningtohim，andwhowasthinkingfarmoreofCosettethanof1793。
　　Thegrandfather，tremblingathavingsoinopportunelyintroducedAndreChenier，resumedprecipitately:
　　"Cuthisthroatisnottheword。Thefactisthatthegreatrevolutionarygeniuses，whowerenotmalicious，thatisincontestable，whowereheroes，pardi！foundthatAndreChenierembarrassedthemsomewhat，andtheyhadhimguillot……thatistosay，thosegreatmenonthe7thofThermidor，besoughtAndreChenier，intheinterestsofpublicsafety，tobesogoodastogo……"
　　M。Gillenormand，clutchedbythethroatbyhisownphrase，couldnotproceed。Beingableneithertofinishitnortoretractit，whilehisdaughterarrangedthepillowbehindMarius，whowasoverwhelmedwithsomanyemotions，theoldmanrushedheadlong，withasmuchrapidityashisagepermitted，fromthebed—chamber，shutthedoorbehindhim，and，purple，chokingandfoamingatthemouth，hiseyesstartingfromhishead，hefoundhimselfnosetonosewithhonestBasque，whowasblackingbootsintheanteroom。
　　HeseizedBasquebythecollar，andshoutedfullinhisfaceinfury:——"BythehundredthousandJavottesofthedevil，thoseruffiansdidassassinatehim！"
　　"Who，sir？"
　　"AndreChenier！"
　　"Yes，sir，"saidBasqueinalarm。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　MADEMOISELLEGILLENORMANDENDSBYNOLONGERTHINKINGITABADTHING
　　THATM。FAUCHELEVENTSHOULDHAVEENTEREDWITHSOMETHINGUNDERHIS
　　ARM
　　CosetteandMariusbeheldeachotheroncemore。
　　Whatthatinterviewwaslikewedeclinetosay。Therearethingswhichonemustnotattempttodepict；thesunisoneofthem。
　　Theentirefamily，includingBasqueandNicolette，wereassembledinMarius’chamberatthemomentwhenCosetteenteredit。
　　Preciselyatthatmoment，thegrandfatherwasonthepointofblowinghisnose；hestoppedshort，holdinghisnoseinhishandkerchief，andgazingoveritatCosette。
　　Sheappearedonthethreshold；itseemedtohimthatshewassurroundedbyaglory。
　　"Adorable！"heexclaimed。
　　Thenheblewhisnosenoisily。
　　Cosettewasintoxicated，delighted，frightened，inheaven。
　　Shewasasthoroughlyalarmedasanyonecanbebyhappiness。
　　Shestammeredallpale，yetflushed，shewantedtoflingherselfintoMarius’arms，anddarednot。Ashamedoflovinginthepresenceofallthesepeople。Peoplearepitilesstowardshappylovers；
　　theyremainwhenthelattermostdesiretobeleftalone。Lovershavenoneedofanypeoplewhatever。
　　WithCosette，andbehindher，therehadenteredamanwithwhitehairwhowasgraveyetsmiling，thoughwithavagueandheartrendingsmile。
　　Itwas"MonsieurFauchelevent"；itwasJeanValjean。
　　Hewasverywelldressed，astheporterhadsaid，entirelyinblack，inperfectlynewgarments，andwithawhitecravat。
　　Theporterwasathousandleaguesfromrecognizinginthiscorrectbourgeois，inthisprobablenotary，thefear—inspiringbearerofthecorpse，whohadsprungupathisdooronthenightofthe7thofJune，tattered，muddy，hideous，haggard，hisfacemaskedinbloodandmire，supportinginhisarmsthefaintingMarius；
　　still，hisporter’sscentwasaroused。WhenM。FaucheleventarrivedwithCosette，theporterhadnotbeenabletorefrainfromcommunicatingtohiswifethisaside:"Idon’tknowwhyitis，butIcan’thelpfancyingthatI’veseenthatfacebefore。"
　　M。FaucheleventinMarius’chamber，remainedapartnearthedoor。
　　Hehadunderhisarm，apackagewhichboreconsiderableresemblancetoanoctavovolumeenvelopedinpaper。Theenvelopingpaperwasofagreenishhue，andappearedtobemouldy。
　　"Doesthegentlemanalwayshavebookslikethatunderhisarm？"
　　MademoiselleGillenormand，whodidnotlikebooks，demandedinalowtoneofNicolette。
　　"Well，"retortedM。Gillenormand，whohadoverheardher，inthesametone，"he’salearnedman。Whatthen？Isthathisfault？
　　MonsieurBoulard，oneofmyacquaintances，neverwalkedoutwithoutabookunderhisarmeither，andhealwayshadsomeoldvolumehuggedtohisheartlikethat。"
　　And，withabow，hesaidaloud:
　　"MonsieurTranchelevent……"
　　FatherGillenormanddidnotdoitintentionally，butinattentiontopropernameswasanaristocratichabitofhis。
　　"MonsieurTranchelevent，Ihavethehonorofaskingyou，onbehalfofmygrandson，BaronMariusPontmercy，forthehandofMademoiselle。"
　　MonsieurTrancheleventbowed。
　　"That’ssettled，"saidthegrandfather。
　　And，turningtoMariusandCosette，withbotharmsextendedinblessing，hecried:
　　"Permissiontoadoreeachother！"
　　Theydidnotrequirehimtorepeatittwice。Somuchtheworse！
　　thechirpingbegan。Theytalkedlow。Marius，restingonhiselbowonhisrecliningchair，Cosettestandingbesidehim。"Oh，heavens！"
　　murmuredCosette，"Iseeyouonceagain！itisthou！itisyou！
　　Theideaofgoingandfightinglikethat！Butwhy？Itishorrible。
　　Ihavebeendeadforfourmonths。Oh！howwickeditwasofyoutogotothatbattle！WhathadIdonetoyou？Ipardonyou，butyouwillneverdoitagain。Alittlewhileago，whentheycametotellustocometoyou，IstillthoughtthatIwasabouttodie，butitwasfromjoy。Iwassosad！Ihavenottakenthetimetodressmyself，Imustfrightenpeoplewithmylooks！
　　Whatwillyourrelativessaytoseemeinacrumpledcollar？
　　Dospeak！Youletmedoallthetalking。WearestillintheRuedel’HommeArme。Itseemsthatyourshoulderwasterrible。
　　Theytoldmethatyoucouldputyourfistinit。Andthen，itseemsthattheycutyourfleshwiththescissors。Thatisfrightful。
　　IhavecriedtillIhavenoeyesleft。Itisqueerthatapersoncansufferlikethat。Yourgrandfatherhasaverykindlyair。
　　Don’tdisturbyourself，don’triseonyourelbow，youwillinjureyourself。Oh！howhappyIam！Soourunhappinessisover！
　　Iamquitefoolish。Ihadthingstosaytoyou，andInolongerknowintheleastwhattheywere。Doyoustillloveme？WeliveintheRuedel’HommeArme。Thereisnogarden。Imadelintallthetime；stay，sir，look，itisyourfault，Ihaveacallousonmyfingers。"
　　"Angel！"saidMarius。
　　Angelistheonlywordinthelanguagewhichcannotbewornout。
　　Nootherwordcouldresistthemercilessusewhichloversmakeofit。
　　Thenastherewerespectators，theypausedandsaidnotawordmore，contentingthemselveswithsoftlytouchingeachother’shands。
　　M。Gillenormandturnedtowardsthosewhowereintheroomandcried:
　　"Talkloud，therestofyou。Makeanoise，youpeoplebehindthescenes。Come，alittleuproar，thedeuce！sothatthechildrencanchatterattheirease。"
　　And，approachingMariusandCosette，hesaidtotheminaverylowvoice:
　　"Calleachotherthou。Don’tstandonceremony。"
　　AuntGillenormandlookedoninamazementatthisirruptionoflightinherelderlyhousehold。Therewasnothingaggressiveaboutthisamazement；itwasnottheleastintheworldlikethescandalizedandenviousglanceofanowlattwoturtle—doves，itwasthestupideyeofapoorinnocentsevenandfiftyyearsofage；
　　itwasalifewhichhadbeenafailuregazingatthattriumph，love。
　　"MademoiselleGillenormandsenior，"saidherfathertoher，"Itoldyouthatthisiswhatwouldhappentoyou。"
　　Heremainedsilentforamoment，andthenadded:
　　"Lookatthehappinessofothers。"
　　ThenheturnedtoCosette。
　　"Howprettysheis！howprettysheis！She’saGreuze。
　　Soyouaregoingtohavethatalltoyourself，youscamp！
　　Ah！myrogue，youaregettingoffnicelywithme，youarehappy；
　　ifIwerenotfifteenyearstooold，wewouldfightwithswordstoseewhichofusshouldhaveher。Comenow！Iaminlovewithyou，mademoiselle。It’sperfectlysimple。Itisyourright。
　　Youareintheright。Ah！whatasweet，charminglittleweddingthiswillmake！OurparishisSaint—DenisduSaintSacrament，butIwillgetadispensationsothatyoucanbemarriedatSaint—Paul。Thechurchisbetter。ItwasbuiltbytheJesuits。
　　Itismorecoquettish。ItisoppositethefountainofCardinaldeBirague。ThemasterpieceofJesuitarchitectureisatNamur。
　　ItiscalledSaint—Loup。Youmustgothereafteryouaremarried。
　　Itisworththejourney。Mademoiselle，Iamquiteofyourmind，Ithinkgirlsoughttomarry；thatiswhattheyaremadefor。
　　ThereisacertainSainte—CatherinewhomIshouldalwaysliketoseeuncoiffed。[62]It’safinethingtoremainaspinster，butitischilly。TheBiblesays:Multiply。Inordertosavethepeople，Jeanned’Arcisneeded；butinordertomakepeople，whatisneededisMotherGoose。So，marry，mybeauties。Ireallydonotseetheuseinremainingaspinster！Iknowthattheyhavetheirchapelapartinthechurch，andthattheyfallbackontheSocietyoftheVirgin；but，sapristi，ahandsomehusband，afinefellow，andattheexpirationofayear，abig，blondbratwhonurseslustily，andwhohasfinerollsoffatonhisthighs，andwhomussesupyourbreastinhandfulswithhislittlerosypaws，laughingthewhilelikethedawn，——that’sbetterthanholdingacandleatvespers，andchantingTurriseburnea！"
　　[62]Inallusiontotheexpression，coifferSainte—Catherine，"toremainunmarried。"
　　Thegrandfatherexecutedapirouetteonhiseighty—year—oldheels，andbegantotalkagainlikeaspringthathasbrokenlooseoncemore:
　　"Ainsi，bornantlescoursdetesrevasseries，Alcippe，ilestdoncvrai，danspeututemaries。"[63]
　　[63]"Thus，hemminginthecourseofthymusings，Alcippus，itistruethatthouwiltwederelong。"
　　"Bytheway！"
　　"Whatisit，father？"
　　"Havenotyouanintimatefriend？"
　　"Yes，Courfeyrac。"
　　"Whathasbecomeofhim？"
　　"Heisdead。"
　　"Thatisgood。"
　　Heseatedhimselfnearthem，madeCosettesitdown，andtooktheirfourhandsinhisagedandwrinkledhands:
　　"Sheisexquisite，thisdarling。She’samasterpiece，thisCosette！
　　Sheisaverylittlegirlandaverygreatlady。ShewillonlybeaBaroness，whichisacomedownforher；shewasbornaMarquise。
　　Whateyelashesshehas！Getitwellfixedinyournoddles，mychildren，thatyouareinthetrueroad。Loveeachother。
　　Befoolishaboutit。LoveisthefollyofmenandthewitofGod。
　　Adoreeachother。Only，"headded，suddenlybecominggloomy，"whatamisfortune！Ithasjustoccurredtome！MorethanhalfofwhatIpossessisswallowedupinanannuity；solongasIlive，itwillnotmatter，butaftermydeath，ascoreofyearshence，ah！mypoorchildren，youwillnothaveasou！Yourbeautifulwhitehands，MadamelaBaronne，willdothedevilthehonorofpullinghimbythetail。"[64]
　　[64]Tirerlediableparlaqueue，"tolivefromhandtomouth。"
　　Atthispointtheyheardagraveandtranquilvoicesay:
　　"MademoiselleEuphrasieFaucheleventpossessessixhundredthousandfrancs。"
　　ItwasthevoiceofJeanValjean。
　　Sofarhehadnotutteredasingleword，nooneseemedtobeawarethathewasthere，andhehadremainedstandingerectandmotionless，behindallthesehappypeople。
　　"WhathasMademoiselleEuphrasietodowiththequestion？"
　　inquiredthestartledgrandfather。
　　"Iamshe，"repliedCosette。
　　"Sixhundredthousandfrancs？"resumedM。Gillenormand。
　　"Minusfourteenorfifteenthousandfrancs，possibly，"saidJeanValjean。
　　AndhelaidonthetablethepackagewhichMademoiselleGillenormandhadmistakenforabook。
　　JeanValjeanhimselfopenedthepackage；itwasabundleofbank—notes。
　　Theywereturnedoverandcounted。Therewerefivehundrednotesforathousandfrancseach，andonehundredandsixty—eightoffivehundred。Inall，fivehundredandeighty—fourthousandfrancs。
　　"Thisisafinebook，"saidM。Gillenormand。
　　"Fivehundredandeighty—fourthousandfrancs！"murmuredtheaunt。
　　"Thisarrangesthingswell，doesitnot，MademoiselleGillenormandsenior？"saidthegrandfather。"ThatdevilofaMariushasferretedoutthenestofamillionairegrisetteinhistreeofdreams！
　　Justtrusttotheloveaffairsofyoungfolksnow，willyou！
　　Studentsfindstudentesseswithsixhundredthousandfrancs。
　　CherubinoworksbetterthanRothschild。"
　　"Fivehundredandeighty—fourthousandfrancs！"repeatedMademoiselleGillenormand，inalowtone。"Fivehundredandeighty—four！
　　onemightaswellsaysixhundredthousand！"
　　AsforMariusandCosette，theyweregazingateachotherwhilethiswasgoingon；theyhardlyheededthisdetail。
　　CHAPTERV
　　DEPOSITYOURMONEYINAFORESTRATHERTHANWITHANOTARY
　　Thereaderhas，nodoubt，understood，withoutnecessitatingalengthyexplanation，thatJeanValjean，aftertheChampmathieuaffair，hadbeenable，thankstohisfirstescapeofafewdays’duration，tocometoParisandtowithdrawinseason，fromthehandsofLaffitte，thesumearnedbyhim，underthenameofMonsieurMadeleine，atMontreuil—sur—Mer；andthatfearingthathemightberecaptured，——
　　whicheventuallyhappened——hehadburiedandhiddenthatsumintheforestofMontfermeil，inthelocalityknownastheBlaru—bottom。
　　Thesum，sixhundredandthirtythousandfrancs，allinbank—bills，wasnotverybulky，andwascontainedinabox；only，inordertopreservetheboxfromdampness，hehadplaceditinacofferfilledwithchestnutshavings。Inthesamecofferhehadplacedhisothertreasures，theBishop’scandlesticks。ItwillberememberedthathehadcarriedoffthecandlestickswhenhemadehisescapefromMontreuil—sur—Mer。ThemanseenoneeveningforthefirsttimebyBoulatruelle，wasJeanValjean。Lateron，everytimethatJeanValjeanneededmoney，hewenttogetitintheBlaru—bottom。Hencetheabsenceswhichwehavementioned。Hehadapickaxesomewhereintheheather，inahiding—placeknowntohimselfalone。WhenhebeheldMariusconvalescent，feelingthatthehourwasathand，whenthatmoneymightproveofservice，hehadgonetogetit；itwasheagain，whomBoulatruellehadseeninthewoods，butonthisoccasion，inthemorninginsteadofintheevening。Boulatreulleinheritedhispickaxe。
　　Theactualsumwasfivehundredandeighty—fourthousand，fivehundredfrancs。JeanValjeanwithdrewthefivehundredfrancsforhimself。——"Weshallseehereafter，"hethought。
　　ThedifferencebetweenthatsumandthesixhundredandthirtythousandfrancswithdrawnfromLaffitterepresentedhisexpenditureintenyears，from1823to1833。Thefiveyearsofhisstayintheconventhadcostonlyfivethousandfrancs。
　　JeanValjeansetthetwocandlesticksonthechimney—piece，wheretheyglitteredtothegreatadmirationofToussaint。
　　Moreover，JeanValjeanknewthathewasdeliveredfromJavert。
　　Thestoryhadbeentoldinhispresence，andhehadverifiedthefactintheMoniteur，howapoliceinspectornamedJaverthadbeenfounddrownedunderaboatbelongingtosomelaundresses，betweenthePontauChangeandthePont—Neuf，andthatawritingleftbythisman，otherwiseirreproachableandhighlyesteemedbyhissuperiors，pointedtoafitofmentalaberrationandasuicide。——"Infact，"
　　thoughtJeanValjean，"sinceheleftmeatliberty，oncehavinggotmeinhispower，hemusthavebeenalreadymad。"
　　CHAPTERVI
　　THETWOOLDMENDOEVERYTHING，EACHONEAFTERHISOWNFASHION，TORENDERCOSETTEHAPPY
　　Everythingwasmadereadyforthewedding。Thedoctor，onbeingconsulted，declaredthatitmighttakeplaceinFebruary。
　　ItwasthenDecember。Afewravishingweeksofperfecthappinesspassed。
　　Thegrandfatherwasnottheleasthappyofthemall。HeremainedforaquarterofanhouratatimegazingatCosette。
　　"Thewonderful，beautifulgirl！"heexclaimed。"Andshehassosweetandgoodanair！sheis，withoutexception，themostcharminggirlthatIhaveeverseeninmylife。Lateron，she’llhavevirtueswithanodorofviolets。Howgraceful！onecannotliveotherwisethannoblywithsuchacreature。Marius，myboy，youareaBaron，youarerich，don’tgotopettifogging，Ibegofyou。"
　　CosetteandMariushadpassedabruptlyfromthesepulchretoparadise。
　　Thetransitionhadnotbeensoftened，andtheywouldhavebeenstunned，hadtheynotbeendazzledbyit。
　　"Doyouunderstandanythingaboutit？"saidMariustoCosette。
　　"No，"repliedCosette，"butitseemstomethatthegoodGodiscaringforus。"
　　JeanValjeandideverything，smoothedawayeverydifficulty，arrangedeverything，madeeverythingeasy。HehastenedtowardsCosette’shappinesswithasmuchardor，and，apparentlywithasmuchjoy，asCosetteherself。
　　Ashehadbeenamayor，heunderstoodhowtosolvethatdelicateproblem，withthesecretofwhichhealonewasacquainted，Cosette’scivilstatus。Ifheweretoannounceheroriginbluntly，itmightpreventthemarriage，whoknows？HeextricatedCosettefromalldifficulties。Heconcoctedforherafamilyofdeadpeople，asuremeansofnotencounteringanyobjections。
　　Cosettewastheonlyscionofanextinctfamily；Cosettewasnothisowndaughter，butthedaughteroftheotherFauchelevent。
　　TwobrothersFaucheleventhadbeengardenerstotheconventofthePetit—Picpus。Inquirywasmadeatthatconvent；theverybestinformationandthemostrespectablereferencesabounded；thegoodnuns，notveryaptandbutlittleinclinedtofathomquestionsofpaternity，andnotattachinganyimportancetothematter，hadneverunderstoodexactlyofwhichofthetwoFaucheleventsCosettewasthedaughter。
　　Theysaidwhatwaswantedandtheysaiditwithzeal。Anactedenotorietewasdrawnup。Cosettebecameintheeyesofthelaw，MademoiselleEuphrasieFauchelevent。Shewasdeclaredanorphan，bothfatherandmotherbeingdead。JeanValjeansoarrangeditthathewasappointed，underthenameofFauchelevent，asCosette’sguardian，withM。Gillenormandassupervisingguardianoverhim。
　　Asforthefivehundredandeightythousandfrancs，theyconstitutedalegacybequeathedtoCosettebyadeadperson，whodesiredtoremainunknown。Theoriginallegacyhadconsistedoffivehundredandninety—fourthousandfrancs；buttenthousandfrancshadbeenexpendedontheeducationofMademoiselleEuphrasie，fivethousandfrancsofthatamounthavingbeenpaidtotheconvent。
　　Thislegacy，depositedinthehandsofathirdparty，wastobeturnedovertoCosetteathermajority，oratthedateofhermarriage。
　　This，takenasawhole，wasveryacceptable，asthereaderwillperceive，especiallywhenthesumduewashalfamillion。Thereweresomepeculiaritieshereandthere，itistrue，buttheywerenotnoticed；
　　oneoftheinterestedpartieshadhiseyesblindfoldedbylove，theothersbythesixhundredthousandfrancs。
　　Cosettelearnedthatshewasnotthedaughterofthatoldmanwhomshehadsolongcalledfather。Hewasmerelyakinsman；
　　anotherFaucheleventwasherrealfather。Atanyothertimethiswouldhavebrokenherheart。Butattheineffablemomentwhichshewasthenpassingthrough，itcastbutaslightshadow，afaintcloud，andshewassofullofjoythattheclouddidnotlastlong。
　　ShehadMarius。Theyoungmanarrived，theoldmanwaseffaced；
　　suchislife。
　　Andthen，Cosettehad，forlongyears，beenhabituatedtoseeingenigmasaroundher；everybeingwhohashadamysteriouschildhoodisalwayspreparedforcertainrenunciations。
　　Nevertheless，shecontinuedtocallJeanValjean:Father。
　　Cosette，happyastheangels，wasenthusiasticoverFatherGillenormand。
　　Itistruethatheoverwhelmedherwithgallantcomplimentsandpresents。WhileJeanValjeanwasbuildingupforCosetteanormalsituationinsocietyandanunassailablestatus，M。Gillenormandwassuperintendingthebasketofweddinggifts。Nothingsoamusedhimasbeingmagnificent。HehadgiventoCosettearobeofBincheguipurewhichhaddescendedtohimfromhisowngrandmother。
　　"Thesefashionscomeupagain，"saidhe，"ancientthingsaretherage，andtheyoungwomenofmyoldagedressliketheoldwomenofmychildhood。"
　　HerifledhisrespectablechestsofdrawersinCoromandellacquer，withswellingfronts，whichhadnotbeenopenedforyears。——"Letusheartheconfessionofthesedowagers，"hesaid，"letusseewhattheyhaveintheirpaunches。"Henoisilyviolatedthepot—bellieddrawersofallhiswives，ofallhismistressesandofallhisgrandmothers。
　　Pekins，damasks，lampas，paintedmoires，robesofshotgrosdeTours，Indiakerchiefsembroideredingoldthatcouldbewashed，dauphineswithoutarightorwrongside，inthepiece，GenoaandAlenconpointlace，paruresinantiquegoldsmith’swork，ivorybon—bonboxesornamentedwithmicroscopicbattles，gewgawsandribbons——
　　helavishedeverythingonCosette。Cosette，amazed，desperatelyinlovewithMarius，andwildwithgratitudetowardsM。Gillenormand，dreamedofahappinesswithoutlimitclothedinsatinandvelvet。
　　Herweddingbasketseemedtohertobeupheldbyseraphim。
　　Hersoulflewoutintotheazuredepths，withwingsofMechlinlace。
　　Theintoxicationoftheloverswasonlyequalled，aswehavealreadysaid，bytheecstasyofthegrandfather。AsortofflourishoftrumpetswentonintheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire。
　　Everymorning，afreshofferingofbric—a—bracfromthegrandfathertoCosette。Allpossibleknickknacksglitteredaroundher。
　　OnedayMarius，whowasfondoftalkinggravelyinthemidstofhisbliss，said，aproposofIknownotwhatincident:
　　"Themenoftherevolutionaresogreat，thattheyhavetheprestigeoftheages，likeCatoandlikePhocion，andeachoneofthemseemstomeanantiquememory。"
　　"Moireantique！"exclaimedtheoldgentleman。"Thanks，Marius。
　　ThatispreciselytheideaofwhichIwasinsearch。"
　　Andonthefollowingday，amagnificentdressoftea—rosecoloredmoireantiquewasaddedtoCosette’sweddingpresents。
　　Fromthesefripperies，thegrandfatherextractedabitofwisdom。
　　"Loveisallverywell；buttheremustbesomethingelsetogowithit。Theuselessmustbemingledwithhappiness。Happinessisonlythenecessary。Seasonthatenormouslywiththesuperfluousforme。Apalaceandherheart。HerheartandtheLouvre。
　　HerheartandthegrandwaterworksofVersailles。Givememyshepherdessandtrytomakeheraduchess。FetchmePhylliscrownedwithcorn—flowers，andaddahundredthousandfrancsincome。
　　Openformeabucolicperspectiveasfarasyoucansee，beneathamarblecolonnade。Iconsenttothebucolicandalsotothefairyspectacleofmarbleandgold。Dryhappinessresemblesdrybread。
　　Oneeats，butonedoesnotdine。Iwantthesuperfluous，theuseless，theextravagant，excess，thatwhichservesnopurpose。
　　Iremembertohaveseen，intheCathedralofStrasburg，aclock，astallasathree—storyhousewhichmarkedthehours，whichhadthekindnesstoindicatethehour，butwhichhadnottheairofbeingmadeforthat；andwhich，afterhavingstruckmidday，ormidnight，——
　　midday，thehourofthesun，ormidnight，thehouroflove，——
　　oranyotherhourthatyoulike，gaveyouthemoonandthestars，theearthandthesea，birdsandfishes，PhoebusandPhoebe，andahostofthingswhichemergedfromaniche，andthetwelveapostles，andtheEmperorCharlestheFifth，andEponine，andSabinus，andathrongoflittlegildedgoodmen，whoplayedonthetrumpettoboot。Withoutreckoningdeliciouschimeswhichitsprinkledthroughtheair，oneveryoccasion，withoutanyone’sknowingwhy。
　　Isapettybaldclock—facewhichmerelytellsthehourequaltothat？
　　Formypart，IamoftheopinionofthebigclockofStrasburg，andIpreferittothecuckooclockfromtheBlackForest。"
　　M。Gillenormandtalkednonsenseinconnectionwiththewedding，andallthefripperiesoftheeighteenthcenturypassedpell—mellthroughhisdithyrambs。
　　"Youareignorantoftheartoffestivals。Youdonotknowhowtoorganizeadayofenjoymentinthisage，"heexclaimed。
　　"Yournineteenthcenturyisweak。Itlacksexcess。Itignorestherich，itignoresthenoble。Ineverythingitisclean—shaven。
　　Yourthirdestateisinsipid，colorless，odorless，andshapeless。
　　Thedreamsofyourbourgeoiswhosetup，astheyexpressit:
　　aprettyboudoirfreshlydecorated，violet，ebonyandcalico。
　　Makeway！Makeway！theSieurCurmudgeonismarryingMademoiselleClutch—penny。Sumptuousnessandsplendor。Alouisd’orhasbeenstucktoacandle。There’stheepochforyou。MydemandisthatI
　　mayfleefromitbeyondtheSarmatians。Ah！in1787，Ipredictthatallwaslost，fromthedaywhenIbeheldtheDucdeRohan，PrincedeLeon，DucdeChabot，DucdeMontbazon，MarquisdeSonbise，VicomtedeThouars，peerofFrance，gotoLongchampsinatapecu！
　　Thathasborneitsfruits。Inthiscentury，menattendtobusiness，theygambleon’Change，theywinmoney，theyarestingy。Peopletakecareoftheirsurfacesandvarnishthem；everyoneisdressedasthoughjustoutofaband—box，washed，soaped，scraped，shaved，combed，waked，smoothed，rubbed，brushed，cleanedontheoutside，irreproachable，polishedasapebble，discreet，neat，andatthesametime，deathofmylife，inthedepthsoftheirconsciencestheyhavedung—heapsandcesspoolsthatareenoughtomakeacow—herdwhoblowshisnoseinhisfingers，recoil。Igranttothisagethedevice:
　　`DirtyCleanliness。’Don’tbevexed，Marius，givemepermissiontospeak；Isaynoevilofthepeopleasyousee，Iamalwaysharpingonyourpeople，butdolookfavorablyonmydealingabitofaslaptothebourgeoisie。Ibelongtoit。Hewholoveswelllasheswell。Thereupon，Isayplainly，thatnow—a—dayspeoplemarry，butthattheynolongerknowhowtomarry。Ah！itistrue，Iregretthegraceoftheancientmanners。Iregreteverythingaboutthem，theirelegance，theirchivalry，thosecourteousanddelicateways，thatjoyousluxurywhicheveryonepossessed，musicformingpartofthewedding，asymphonyabovestairs，abeatingofdrumsbelowstairs，thedances，thejoyousfacesroundthetable，thefine—spungallantcompliments，thesongs，thefireworks，thefranklaughter，thedevil’sownrow，thehugeknotsofribbon。Iregretthebride’sgarter。Thebride’sgarteriscousintothegirdleofVenus。
　　OnwhatdoesthewarofTroyturn？OnHelen’sgarter，parbleu！
　　Whydidtheyfight，whydidDiomedthedivinebreakovertheheadofMerionesthatgreatbrazenhelmetoftenpoints？whydidAchillesandHectorheweachotherupwithvastblowsoftheirlances？
　　BecauseHelenallowedParistotakehergarter。WithCosette’sgarter，HomerwouldconstructtheIliad。Hewouldputinhispoem，aloquaciousoldfellow，likeme，andhewouldcallhimNestor。
　　Myfriends，inbygonedays，inthoseamiabledaysofyore，peoplemarriedwisely；theyhadagoodcontract，andthentheyhadagoodcarouse。AssoonasCujashadtakenhisdeparture，Gamachoentered。But，insooth！thestomachisanagreeablebeastwhichdemandsitsdue，andwhichwantstohaveitsweddingalso。
　　Peoplesuppedwell，andhadattableabeautifulneighborwithoutaguimpesothatherthroatwasonlymoderatelyconcealed。
　　Oh！thelargelaughingmouths，andhowgaywewereinthosedays！
　　youthwasabouquet；everyyoungmanterminatedinabranchoflilacsoratuftofroses；whetherhewasashepherdorawarrior；
　　andif，bychance，onewasacaptainofdragoons，onefoundmeanstocalloneselfFlorian。Peoplethoughtmuchoflookingwell。
　　Theyembroideredandtintedthemselves。Abourgeoishadtheairofaflower，aMarquishadtheairofapreciousstone。Peoplehadnostrapstotheirboots，theyhadnoboots。Theywerespruce，shining，waved，lustrous，fluttering，dainty，coquettish，whichdidnotatallpreventtheirwearingswordsbytheirsides。Thehumming—birdhasbeakandclaws。ThatwasthedayoftheGallandIndies。Oneofthesidesofthatcenturywasdelicate，theotherwasmagnificent；
　　andbythegreencabbages！peopleamusedthemselves。To—day，peopleareserious。Thebourgeoisisavaricious，thebourgeoiseisaprude；
　　yourcenturyisunfortunate。PeoplewoulddriveawaytheGracesasbeingtoolowintheneck。Alas！beautyisconcealedasthoughitwereugliness。Sincetherevolution，everything，includingtheballet—dancers，hashaditstrousers；amountebankdancermustbegrave；
　　yourrigadoonsaredoctrinarian。Itisnecessarytobemajestic。
　　Peoplewouldbegreatlyannoyediftheydidnotcarrytheirchinsintheircravats。Theidealofanurchinoftwentywhenhemarries，istoresembleM。Royer—Collard。Anddoyouknowwhatonearrivesatwiththatmajesty？atbeingpetty。Learnthis:
　　joyisnotonlyjoyous；itisgreat。Butbeinlovegaylythen，whatthedeuce！marry，whenyoumarry，withfeverandgiddiness，andtumult，andtheuproarofhappiness！Begraveinchurch，wellandgood。But，assoonasthemassisfinished，sarpejou！youmustmakeadreamwhirlaroundthebride。Amarriageshouldberoyalandchimerical；itshouldpromenadeitsceremonyfromthecathedralofRheimstothepagodaofChanteloup。Ihaveahorrorofapaltrywedding。Ventregoulette！beinOlympusforthatoneday，atleast。Beoneofthegods。Ah！peoplemightbesylphs。
　　GamesandLaughter，argiraspides；theyarestupids。Myfriends，everyrecentlymadebridegroomoughttobePrinceAldobrandini。
　　Profitbythatuniqueminuteinlifetosoarawaytotheempyreanwiththeswansandtheeagles，evenifyoudohavetofallbackonthemorrowintothebourgeoisieofthefrogs。Don’teconomizeonthenuptials，donotprunethemoftheirsplendors；don’tscrimponthedaywhenyoubeam。Theweddingisnotthehousekeeping。
　　Oh！ifIweretocarryoutmyfancy，itwouldbegallant，violinswouldbeheardunderthetrees。Hereismyprogramme:sky—blueandsilver。
　　Iwouldminglewiththefestivaltheruraldivinities，IwouldconvoketheDryadsandtheNereids。ThenuptialsofAmphitrite，arosycloud，nymphswithwelldressedlocksandentirelynaked，anAcademicianofferingquatrainstothegoddess，achariotdrawnbymarinemonsters。
　　"Tritontrottaitdevant，ettiraitdesaconqueDessonssiravissantsqu’ilravissaitquiconque！"[65]
　　——there’safestiveprogramme，there’sagoodone，orelseIknownothingofsuchmatters，deucetakeit！"
　　[65]"Tritontrottedonbefore，anddrewfromhisconch—shellsoundssoravishingthathedelightedeveryone！"
　　Whilethegrandfather，infulllyricaleffusion，waslisteningtohimself，CosetteandMariusgrewintoxicatedastheygazedfreelyateachother。
　　AuntGillenormandsurveyedallthiswithherimperturbableplacidity。
　　Withinthelastfiveorsixmonthsshehadexperiencedacertainamountofemotions。Mariusreturned，Mariusbroughtbackbleeding，Mariusbroughtbackfromabarricade，Mariusdead，thenliving，Mariusreconciled，Mariusbetrothed，Mariusweddingapoorgirl，Mariusweddingamillionairess。Thesixhundredthousandfrancshadbeenherlastsurprise。Then，herindifferenceofagirltakingherfirstcommunionreturnedtoher。Shewentregularlytoservice，toldherbeads，readhereuchology，mumbledAvesinonecornerofthehouse，whileIloveyouwasbeingwhisperedintheother，andshebeheldMariusandCosetteinavagueway，liketwoshadows。
　　Theshadowwasherself。
　　Thereisacertainstateofinertasceticisminwhichthesoul，neutralizedbytorpor，astrangertothatwhichmaybedesignatedasthebusinessofliving，receivesnoimpressions，eitherhuman，orpleasantorpainful，withtheexceptionofearthquakesandcatastrophes。
　　Thisdevotion，asFatherGillenormandsaidtohisdaughter，correspondstoacoldinthehead。Yousmellnothingoflife。
　　Neitheranybad，noranygoododor。
　　Moreover，thesixhundredthousandfrancshadsettledtheelderlyspinster’sindecision。Herfatherhadacquiredthehabitoftakinghersolittleintoaccount，thathehadnotconsultedherinthematterofconsenttoMarius’marriage。Hehadactedimpetuously，accordingtohiswont，having，adespot—turnedslave，butasinglethought，——tosatisfyMarius。Asfortheaunt，——ithadnotevenoccurredtohimthattheauntexisted，andthatshecouldhaveanopinionofherown，and，sheepasshewas，thishadvexedher。
　　Somewhatresentfulinherinmostsoul，butimpassibleexternally，shehadsaidtoherself:"Myfatherhassettledthequestionofthemarriagewithoutreferencetome；Ishallsettlethequestionoftheinheritancewithoutconsultinghim。"Shewasrich，infact，andherfatherwasnot。Shehadreservedherdecisiononthispoint。
　　Itisprobablethat，hadthematchbeenapoorone，shewouldhavelefthimpoor。"Somuchtheworseformynephew！heisweddingabeggar，lethimbeabeggarhimself！"ButCosette’shalf—millionpleasedtheaunt，andalteredherinwardsituationsofarasthispairofloverswereconcerned。Oneowessomeconsiderationtosixhundredthousandfrancs，anditwasevidentthatshecouldnotdootherwisethanleaveherfortunetotheseyoungpeople，sincetheydidnotneedit。
　　Itwasarrangedthatthecoupleshouldlivewiththegrandfather——
　　M。Gillenormandinsistedonresigningtothemhischamber，thefinestinthehouse。"Thatwillmakemeyoungagain，"hesaid。
　　"It’sanoldplanofmine。Ihavealwaysentertainedtheideaofhavingaweddinginmychamber。"
　　Hefurnishedthischamberwithamultitudeofeleganttrifles。
　　Hehadtheceilingandwallshungwithanextraordinarystuff，whichhehadbyhiminthepiece，andwhichhebelievedtohaveemanatedfromUtrechtwithabuttercup—coloredsatinground，coveredwithvelvetauriculablossoms。——"Itwaswiththatstuff，"saidhe，"thatthebedoftheDuchessed’AnvilleatlaRoche—Guyonwasdraped。"——
　　Onthechimney—piece，hesetalittlefigureinSaxeporcelain，carryingamuffagainsthernudestomach。
　　M。Gillenormand’slibrarybecamethelawyer’sstudy，whichMariusneeded；
　　astudy，itwillberemembered，beingrequiredbythecounciloftheorder。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　THEEFFECTSOFDREAMSMINGLEDWITHHAPPINESS
　　Theloverssaweachothereveryday。CosettecamewithM。Fauchelevent。——"Thisisreversingthings，"saidMademoiselleGillenormand，"tohavethebridecometothehousetodothecourtinglikethis。"ButMarius’convalescencehadcausedthehabittobecomeestablished，andthearm—chairsoftheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire，betteradaptedtointerviewsthanthestrawchairsoftheRuedel’HommeArme，hadrootedit。MariusandM。Faucheleventsaweachother，butdidnotaddresseachother。
　　Itseemedasthoughthishadbeenagreedupon。Everygirlneedsachaperon。CosettecouldnothavecomewithoutM。Fauchelevent。
　　InMarius’eyes，M。FaucheleventwastheconditionattachedtoCosette。
　　Heacceptedit。Bydintofdiscussingpoliticalmatters，vaguelyandwithoutprecision，fromthepointofviewofthegeneralameliorationofthefateofallmen，theycametosayalittlemorethan"yes"
　　and"no。"Once，onthesubjectofeducation，whichMariuswishedtohavefreeandobligatory，multipliedunderallformslavishedoneveryone，liketheairandthesuninaword，respirablefortheentirepopulation，theywereinunison，andtheyalmostconversed。
　　M。Faucheleventtalkedwell，andevenwithacertainloftinessoflanguage——stillhelackedsomethingindescribable。M。Faucheleventpossessedsomethinglessandalsosomethingmore，thanamanoftheworld。
　　Marius，inwardly，andinthedepthsofhisthought，surroundedwithallsortsofmutequestionsthisM。Fauchelevent，whowastohimsimplybenevolentandcold。Thereweremomentswhendoubtsastohisownrecollectionsoccurredtohim。Therewasavoidinhismemory，ablackspot，anabyssexcavatedbyfourmonthsofagony。——Manythingshadbeenlosttherein。HehadcometothepointofaskinghimselfwhetheritwerereallyafactthathehadseenM。Fauchelevent，soseriousandsocalmaman，inthebarricade。
　　Thiswasnot，however，theonlystuporwhichtheapparitionsandthedisappearancesofthepasthadleftinhismind。Itmustnotbesupposedthathewasdeliveredfromallthoseobsessionsofthememorywhichforceus，evenwhenhappy，evenwhensatisfied，toglancesadlybehindus。Theheadwhichdoesnotturnbackwardstowardshorizonsthathavevanishedcontainsneitherthoughtnorlove。Attimes，Mariusclaspedhisfacebetweenhishands，andthevagueandtumultuouspasttraversedthetwilightwhichreignedinhisbrain。AgainhebeheldMabeuffall，heheardGavrochesingingamidthegrape—shot，hefeltbeneathhislipsthecoldbrowofEponine；Enjolras，Courfeyrac，JeanProuvaire，Combeferre，Bossuet，Grantaire，allhisfriendsroseerectbeforehim，thendispersedintothinair。Wereallthosedear，sorrowful，valiant，charmingortragicbeingsmerelydreams？hadtheyactuallyexisted？Therevolthadenvelopedeverythinginitssmoke。
　　Thesegreatfeverscreategreatdreams。Hequestionedhimself；
　　hefelthimself；allthesevanishedrealitiesmadehimdizzy。