Whereweretheyallthen？wasitreallytruethatallweredead？
　　Afallintotheshadowshadcarriedoffallexcepthimself。
　　Itallseemedtohimtohavedisappearedasthoughbehindthecurtainofatheatre。Therearecurtainslikethiswhichdropinlife。
　　Godpassesontothefollowingact。
　　Andhehimself——washeactuallythesameman？He，thepoorman，wasrich；he，theabandoned，hadafamily；he，thedespairing，wastomarryCosette。Itseemedtohimthathehadtraversedatomb，andthathehadenteredintoitblackandhademergedfromitwhite，andinthattombtheothershadremained。Atcertainmoments，allthesebeingsofthepast，returnedandpresent，formedacirclearoundhim，andovershadowedhim；thenhethoughtofCosette，andrecoveredhisserenity；butnothinglessthanthisfelicitycouldhavesufficedtoeffacethatcatastrophe。
　　M。Faucheleventalmostoccupiedaplaceamongthesevanishedbeings。
　　MariushesitatedtobelievethattheFaucheleventofthebarricadewasthesameasthisFaucheleventinfleshandblood，sittingsogravelybesideCosette。Thefirstwas，probably，oneofthosenightmaresoccasionedandbroughtbackbyhishoursofdelirium。
　　However，thenaturesofbothmenwererigid，noquestionfromMariustoM。Faucheleventwaspossible。Suchanideahadnotevenoccurredtohim。Wehavealreadyindicatedthischaracteristicdetail。
　　Twomenwhohaveasecretincommon，andwho，byasortoftacitagreement，exchangenotawordonthesubject，arelessrarethaniscommonlysupposed。
　　Onceonly，didMariusmaketheattempt。HeintroducedintotheconversationtheRuedelaChanvrerie，and，turningtoM。Fauchelevent，hesaidtohim:
　　"Ofcourse，youareacquaintedwiththatstreet？"
　　"Whatstreet？"
　　"TheRuedelaChanvrerie。"
　　"Ihavenoideaofthenameofthatstreet，"repliedM。Fauchelevent，inthemostnaturalmannerintheworld。
　　Theresponsewhichboreuponthenameofthestreetandnotuponthestreetitself，appearedtoMariustobemoreconclusivethanitreallywas。
　　"Decidedly，"thoughthe，"Ihavebeendreaming。Ihavebeensubjecttoahallucination。Itwassomeonewhoresembledhim。
　　M。Faucheleventwasnotthere。"’
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　TWOMENIMPOSSIBLETOFIND
　　Marius’enchantment，greatasitwas，couldnoteffacefromhismindotherpre—occupations。
　　Whiletheweddingwasinpreparation，andwhileawaitingthedatefixedupon，hecauseddifficultandscrupulousretrospectiveresearchestobemade。
　　Heowedgratitudeinvariousquarters；
　　heoweditonhisfather’saccount，heoweditonhisown。
　　TherewasThenardier；therewastheunknownmanwhohadbroughthim，Marius，backtoM。Gillenormand。
　　Mariusendeavoredtofindthesetwomen，notintendingtomarry，tobehappy，andtoforgetthem，andfearingthat，werethesedebtsofgratitudenotdischarged，theywouldleaveashadowonhislife，whichpromisedsobrightlyforthefuture。
　　Itwasimpossibleforhimtoleaveallthesearrearsofsufferingbehindhim，andhewished，beforeenteringjoyouslyintothefuture，toobtainaquittancefromthepast。
　　ThatThenardierwasavillaindetractednothingfromthefactthathehadsavedColonelPontmercy。ThenardierwasaruffianintheeyesofalltheworldexceptMarius。
　　AndMarius，ignorantoftherealsceneinthebattlefieldofWaterloo，wasnotawareofthepeculiardetail，thathisfather，sofarasThenardierwasconcernedwasinthestrangepositionofbeingindebtedtothelatterforhislife，withoutbeingindebtedtohimforanygratitude。
　　NoneofthevariousagentswhomMariusemployedsucceededindiscoveringanytraceofThenardier。Obliterationappearedtobecompleteinthatquarter。MadameThenardierhaddiedinprisonpendingthetrial。ThenardierandhisdaughterAzelma，theonlytworemainingofthatlamentablegroup，hadplungedbackintothegloom。
　　Thegulfofthesocialunknownhadsilentlyclosedabovethosebeings。
　　Onthesurfacetherewasnotvisiblesomuchasthatquiver，thattrembling，thoseobscureconcentriccircleswhichannouncethatsomethinghasfallenin，andthattheplummetmaybedropped。
　　MadameThenardierbeingdead，Boulatruellebeingeliminatedfromthecase，Claquesoushavingdisappeared，theprincipalpersonsaccusedhavingescapedfromprison，thetrialconnectedwiththeambushintheGorbeauhousehadcometonothing。
　　Thataffairhadremainedratherobscure。ThebenchofAssizeshadbeenobligedtocontentthemselveswithtwosubordinates。Panchaud，aliasPrintanier，aliasBigrenaille，andDemi—Liard，aliasDeux—Milliards，whohadbeeninconsistentlycondemned，afterahearingofbothsidesofthecase，totenyearsinthegalleys。Hardlaborforlifehadbeenthesentencepronouncedagainsttheescapedandcontumaciousaccomplices。
　　Thenardier，theheadandleader，hadbeen，throughcontumacy，likewisecondemnedtodeath。
　　ThissentencewastheonlyinformationremainingaboutThenardier，castinguponthatburiednameitssinisterlightlikeacandlebesideabier。
　　Moreover，bythrustingThenardierbackintotheveryremotestdepths，throughafearofbeingre—captured，thissentenceaddedtothedensityoftheshadowswhichenvelopedthisman。
　　Asfortheotherperson，asfortheunknownmanwhohadsavedMarius，theresearcheswereatfirsttosomeextentsuccessful，thencametoanabruptconclusion。TheysucceededinfindingthecarriagewhichhadbroughtMariustotheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaireontheeveningofthe6thofJune。
　　Thecoachmandeclaredthat，onthe6thofJune，inobediencetothecommandsofapolice—agent，hehadstoodfromthreeo’clockintheafternoonuntilnightfallontheQuaidesChamps—Elysees，abovetheoutletoftheGrandSewer；that，towardsnineo’clockintheevening，thegratingofthesewer，whichabutsonthebankoftheriver，hadopened；thatamanhademergedtherefrom，bearingonhisshouldersanotherman，whoseemedtobedead；thattheagent，whowasonthewatchatthatpoint，hadarrestedthelivingmanandhadseizedthedeadman；that，attheorderofthepolice—agent，he，thecoachman，hadtaken"allthosefolks"intohiscarriage；
　　thattheyhadfirstdriventotheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire；
　　thattheyhadtheredepositedthedeadman；thatthedeadmanwasMonsieurMarius，andthathe，thecoachman，recognizedhimperfectly，althoughhewasalive"thistime"；thatafterwards，theyhadenteredthevehicleagain，thathehadwhippeduphishorses；
　　afewpacesfromthegateoftheArchives，theyhadcalledtohimtohalt；thatthere，inthestreet，theyhadpaidhimandlefthim，andthatthepolice—agenthadledtheothermanaway；thatheknewnothingmore；thatthenighthadbeenverydark。
　　Marius，aswehavesaid，recallednothing。Heonlyrememberedthathehadbeenseizedfrombehindbyanenergetichandatthemomentwhenhewasfallingbackwardsintothebarricade；
　　then，everythingvanishedsofarashewasconcerned。
　　HehadonlyregainedconsciousnessatM。Gillenormand’s。
　　Hewaslostinconjectures。
　　Hecouldnotdoubthisownidentity。Still，howhaditcometopassthat，havingfallenintheRuedelaChanvrerie，hehadbeenpickedupbythepolice—agentonthebanksoftheSeine，nearthePontdesInvalides？
　　SomeonehadcarriedhimfromtheQuartierdesHallestotheChamps—Elysees。Andhow？Throughthesewer。Unheard—ofdevotion！
　　Someone？Who？
　　ThiswasthemanforwhomMariuswassearching。
　　Ofthisman，whowashissavior，nothing；notatrace；notthefaintestindication。
　　Marius，althoughforcedtopreservegreatreserve，inthatdirection，pushedhisinquiriesasfarastheprefectureofpolice。There，nomorethanelsewhere，didtheinformationobtainedleadtoanyenlightenment。
　　Theprefectureknewlessaboutthematterthandidthehackney—coachman。Theyhadnoknowledgeofanyarresthavingbeenmadeonthe6thofJuneatthemouthoftheGrandSewer。
　　Noreportofanyagenthadbeenreceivedthereuponthismatter，whichwasregardedattheprefectureasafable。Theinventionofthisfablewasattributedtothecoachman。
　　Acoachmanwhowantsagratuityiscapableofanything，evenofimagination。Thefactwasassured，nevertheless，andMariuscouldnotdoubtit，unlesshedoubtedhisownidentity，aswehavejustsaid。
　　Everythingaboutthissingularenigmawasinexplicable。
　　Whathadbecomeofthatman，thatmysteriousman，whomthecoachmanhadseenemergefromthegratingoftheGrandSewerbearinguponhisbacktheunconsciousMarius，andwhomthepolice—agentonthewatchhadarrestedintheveryactofrescuinganinsurgent？
　　Whathadbecomeoftheagenthimself？
　　Whyhadthisagentpreservedsilence？Hadthemansucceededinmakinghisescape？Hadhebribedtheagent？WhydidthismangivenosignoflifetoMarius，whoowedeverythingtohim？
　　Hisdisinterestednesswasnolesstremendousthanhisdevotion。
　　Whyhadnotthatmanappearedagain？Perhapshewasabovecompensation，butnooneisabovegratitude。Washedead？Whowastheman？
　　Whatsortofafacehadhe？Noonecouldtellhimthis。
　　Thecoachmananswered:"Thenightwasverydark。"BasqueandNicolette，allinaflutter，hadlookedonlyattheiryoungmasterallcoveredwithblood。
　　Theporter，whosecandlehadlightedthetragicarrivalofMarius，hadbeentheonlyonetotakenoteofthemaninquestion，andthisisthedescriptionthathegave:
　　"Thatmanwasterrible。"
　　Mariushadtheblood—stainedclothingwhichhehadwornwhenhehadbeenbroughtbacktohisgrandfatherpreserved，inthehopethatitwouldproveofserviceinhisresearches。
　　Onexaminingthecoat，itwasfoundthatoneskirthadbeentorninasingularway。Apiecewasmissing。
　　Oneevening，MariuswasspeakinginthepresenceofCosetteandJeanValjeanofthewholeofthatsingularadventure，oftheinnumerableinquirieswhichhehadmade，andofthefruitlessnessofhisefforts。
　　Thecoldcountenanceof"MonsieurFauchelevent"angeredhim。
　　Heexclaimed，withavivacitywhichhadsomethingofwrathinit:
　　"Yes，thatman，whoeverhemayhavebeen，wassublime。
　　Doyouknowwhathedid，sir？Heintervenedlikeanarchangel。
　　Hemusthaveflunghimselfintothemidstofthebattle，havestolenmeaway，haveopenedthesewer，havedraggedmeintoitandhavecarriedmethroughit！Hemusthavetraversedmorethanaleagueandahalfinthosefrightfulsubterraneangalleries，bentover，weigheddown，inthedark，inthecess—pool，——morethanaleagueandahalf，sir，withacorpseuponhisback！Andwithwhatobject？
　　Withthesoleobjectofsavingthecorpse。AndthatcorpseIwas。
　　Hesaidtohimself:`Theremaystillbeaglimpseoflifethere，perchance；Iwillriskmyownexistenceforthatmiserablespark！’
　　Andhisexistenceheriskednotoncebuttwentytimes！Andeverystepwasadanger。Theproofofitis，thatonemergingfromthesewer，hewasarrested。Doyouknow，sir，thatthatmandidallthis？
　　Andhehadnorecompensetoexpect。WhatwasI？Aninsurgent。
　　WhatwasI？Oneoftheconquered。Oh！ifCosette’ssixhundredthousandfrancsweremine……"
　　"Theyareyours，"interruptedJeanValjean。
　　"Well，"resumedMarius，"Iwouldgivethemalltofindthatmanoncemore。"
　　JeanValjeanremainedsilent。
　　BOOKSIXTH。——THESLEEPLESSNIGHT
　　CHAPTERI
　　THE16THOFFEBRUARY，1833
　　Thenightofthe16thtothe17thofFebruary，1833，wasablessednight。
　　Aboveitsshadowsheavenstoodopen。ItwastheweddingnightofMariusandCosette。
　　Thedayhadbeenadorable。
　　Ithadnotbeenthegrandfestivaldreamedbythegrandfather，afairyspectacle，withaconfusionofcherubimandCupidsovertheheadsofthebridalpair，amarriageworthytoformthesubjectofapaintingtobeplacedoveradoor；butithadbeensweetandsmiling。
　　Themannerofmarriagein1833wasnotthesameasitisto—day。
　　FrancehadnotyetborrowedfromEnglandthatsupremedelicacyofcarryingoffone’swife，offleeing，oncomingoutofchurch，ofhidingoneselfwithshamefromone’shappiness，andofcombiningthewaysofabankruptwiththedelightsoftheSongofSongs。
　　Peoplehadnotyetgraspedtothefullthechastity，exquisiteness，anddecencyofjoltingtheirparadiseinaposting—chaise，ofbreakinguptheirmysterywithclic—clacs，oftakingforanuptialbedthebedofaninn，andofleavingbehindthem，inacommonplacechamber，atsomuchanight，themostsacredofthesouvenirsoflifemingledpell—mellwiththetete—a—teteoftheconductorofthediligenceandthemaid—servantoftheinn。
　　Inthissecondhalfofthenineteenthcenturyinwhichwearenowliving，themayorandhisscarf，thepriestandhischasuble，thelawandGodnolongersuffice；theymustbeekedoutbythePostiliondeLonjumeau；
　　abluewaistcoatturnedupwithred，andwithbellbuttons，aplaquelikeavantbrace，knee—breechesofgreenleather，oathstotheNormanhorseswiththeirtailsknottedup，falsegalloons，varnishedhat，longpowderedlocks，anenormouswhipandtallboots。
　　FrancedoesnotyetcarryelegancetothelengthofdoingliketheEnglishnobility，andrainingdownonthepost—chaiseofthebridalpairahailstormofslipperstroddendownatheelandofworn—outshoes，inmemoryofChurchill，afterwardsMarlborough，orMalbrouck，whowasassailedonhiswedding—daybythewrathofanauntwhichbroughthimgoodluck。Oldshoesandslippersdonot，asyet，formapartofournuptialcelebrations；butpatience，asgoodtastecontinuestospread，weshallcometothat。
　　In1833，ahundredyearsago，marriagewasnotconductedatafulltrot。
　　Strangetosay，atthatepoch，peoplestillimaginedthataweddingwasaprivateandsocialfestival，thatapatriarchalbanquetdoesnotspoiladomesticsolemnity，thatgayety，eveninexcess，provideditbehonest，anddecent，doeshappinessnoharm，andthat，inshort，itisagoodandavenerablethingthatthefusionofthesetwodestinieswhenceafamilyisdestinedtospring，shouldbeginathome，andthatthehouseholdshouldthenceforthhaveitsnuptialchamberasitswitness。
　　Andpeopleweresoimmodestastomarryintheirownhomes。
　　Themarriagetookplace，therefore，inaccordancewiththisnowsuperannuatedfashion，atM。Gillenormand’shouse。
　　Naturalandcommonplaceasthismatterofmarryingis，thebannstopublish，thepaperstobedrawnup，themayoralty，andthechurchproducesomecomplication。Theycouldnotgetreadybeforethe16thofFebruary。
　　Now，wenotethisdetail，forthepuresatisfactionofbeingexact，itchancedthatthe16thfellonShroveTuesday。Hesitations，scruples，particularlyonthepartofAuntGillenormand。
　　"ShroveTuesday！"exclaimedthegrandfather，"somuchthebetter。
　　Thereisaproverb:
　　"`MariageunMardigrasN’aurapointenfantsingrats。’[66]
　　[66]"AShrove—Tuesdaymarriagewillhavenoungratefulchildren。"
　　Letusproceed。Heregoesforthe16th！Doyouwanttodelay，Marius？"
　　"No，certainlynot！"repliedthelover。
　　"Letusmarry，then，"criedthegrandfather。
　　Accordingly，themarriagetookplaceonthe16th，notwithstandingthepublicmerrymaking。Itrainedthatday，butthereisalwaysintheskyatinyscrapofblueattheserviceofhappiness，whichloverssee，evenwhentherestofcreationisunderanumbrella。
　　Ontheprecedingevening，JeanValjeanhandedtoMarius，inthepresenceofM。Gillenormand，thefivehundredandeighty—fourthousandfrancs。
　　Asthemarriagewastakingplaceundertheregimeofcommunityofproperty，thepapershadbeensimple。
　　Henceforth，ToussaintwasofnousetoJeanValjean；Cosetteinheritedherandpromotedhertotherankoflady’smaid。
　　AsforJeanValjean，abeautifulchamberintheGillenormandhousehadbeenfurnishedexpresslyforhim，andCosettehadsaidtohiminsuchanirresistiblemanner:"Father，Ientreatyou，"
　　thatshehadalmostpersuadedhimtopromisethathewouldcomeandoccupyit。
　　Afewdaysbeforethatfixedonforthemarriage，anaccidenthappenedtoJeanValjean；hecrushedthethumbofhisrighthand。
　　Thiswasnotaseriousmatter；andhehadnotallowedanyonetotroublehimselfaboutit，nortodressit，noreventoseehishurt，notevenCosette。Nevertheless，thishadforcedhimtoswathehishandinalinenbandage，andtocarryhisarminasling，andhadpreventedhissigning。M。Gillenormand，inhiscapacityofCosette’ssupervising—guardian，hadsuppliedhisplace。
　　Wewillnotconductthereadereithertothemayor’sofficeortothechurch。Onedoesnotfollowapairofloverstothatextent，andoneisaccustomedtoturnone’sbackonthedramaassoonasitputsaweddingnosegayinitsbuttonhole。Wewillconfineourselvestonotinganincidentwhich，thoughunnoticedbytheweddingparty，markedthetransitfromtheRuedesFilles—du—CalvairetothechurchofSaint—Paul。
　　Atthatepoch，thenorthernextremityoftheRueSaint—Louiswasinprocessofrepaving。Itwasbarredoff，beginningwiththeRueduPare—Royal。ItwasimpossiblefortheweddingcarriagestogodirectlytoSaint—Paul。Theywereobligedtoaltertheircourse，andthesimplestwaywastoturnthroughtheboulevard。OneoftheinvitedguestsobservedthatitwasShroveTuesday，andthattherewouldbeajamofvehicles。——"Why？"askedM。Gillenormand——"Becauseofthemaskers。"——
　　"Capital，"saidthegrandfather，"letusgothatway。Theseyoungfolksareonthewaytobemarried；theyareabouttoentertheseriouspartoflife。Thiswillpreparethemforseeingabitofthemasquerade。"
　　Theywentbywayoftheboulevard。ThefirstweddingcoachheldCosetteandAuntGillenormand，M。GillenormandandJeanValjean。
　　Marius，stillseparatedfromhisbetrothedaccordingtousage，didnotcomeuntilthesecond。Thenuptialtrain，onemergingfromtheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire，becameentangledinalongprocessionofvehicleswhichformedanendlesschainfromtheMadeleinetotheBastille，andfromtheBastilletotheMadeleine。
　　Maskersaboundedontheboulevard。Inspiteofthefactthatitwasrainingatintervals，Merry—Andrew，PantaloonandClownpersisted。
　　Inthegoodhumorofthatwinterof1833，ParishaddisguiseditselfasVenice。SuchShroveTuesdaysarenolongertobeseennow—a—days。EverythingwhichexistsbeingascatteredCarnival，thereisnolongeranyCarnival。
　　Thesidewalkswereoverflowingwithpedestriansandthewindowswithcuriousspectators。Theterraceswhichcrowntheperistylesofthetheatreswereborderedwithspectators。Besidesthemaskers，theystaredatthatprocession——peculiartoShroveTuesdayastoLongchamps，——
　　ofvehiclesofeverydescription，citadines，tapissieres，carioles，cabrioletsmarchinginorder，rigorouslyrivetedtoeachotherbythepoliceregulations，andlockedintorails，asitwere。
　　Anyoneinthesevehiclesisatonceaspectatorandaspectacle。
　　Police—sergeantsmaintained，onthesidesoftheboulevard，thesetwointerminableparallelfiles，movingincontrarydirections，andsawtoitthatnothinginterferedwiththatdoublecurrent，thosetwobrooksofcarriages，flowing，theonedownstream，theotherupstream，theonetowardstheChausseed’Antin，theothertowardstheFaubourgSaint—Antoine。ThecarriagesofthepeersofFranceandoftheAmbassadors，emblazonedwithcoatsofarms，heldthemiddleoftheway，goingandcomingfreely。Certainjoyousandmagnificenttrains，notablythatoftheBoeufGras，hadthesameprivilege。InthisgayetyofParis，Englandcrackedherwhip；
　　LordSeymour’spost—chaise，harassedbyanicknamefromthepopulace，passedwithgreatnoise。
　　Inthedoublefile，alongwhichthemunicipalguardsgallopedlikesheep—dogs，honestfamilycoaches，loadeddownwithgreat—auntsandgrandmothers，displayedattheirdoorsfreshgroupsofchildrenindisguise，Clownsofsevenyearsofage，Columbinesofsix，ravishinglittlecreatures，whofeltthattheyformedanofficialpartofthepublicmirth，whowereimbuedwiththedignityoftheirharlequinade，andwhopossessedthegravityoffunctionaries。
　　Fromtimetotime，ahitcharosesomewhereintheprocessionofvehicles；oneorotherofthetwolateralfileshalteduntiltheknotwasdisentangled；onecarriagedelayedsufficedtoparalyzethewholeline。Thentheysetoutagainonthemarch。
　　TheweddingcarriageswereinthefileproceedingtowardstheBastille，andskirtingtherightsideoftheBoulevard。AtthetopofthePont—aux—Choux，therewasastoppage。Nearlyatthesamemoment，theotherfile，whichwasproceedingtowardstheMadeleine，haltedalso。Atthatpointofthefiletherewasacarriage—loadofmaskers。
　　Thesecarriages，ortospeakmorecorrectly，thesewagon—loadsofmaskersareveryfamiliartoParisians。IftheyweremissingonaShroveTuesday，orattheMid—Lent，itwouldbetakeninbadpart，andpeoplewouldsay:"There’ssomethingbehindthat。Probablytheministryisabouttoundergoachange。"ApileofCassandras，HarlequinsandColumbines，joltedalonghighabovethepassers—by，allpossiblegrotesquenesses，fromtheTurktothesavage，HerculessupportingMarquises，fishwiveswhowouldhavemadeRabelaisstopuphisearsjustastheMaenadsmadeAristophanesdrophiseyes，towwigs，pinktights，dandifiedhats，spectaclesofagrimacer，three—corneredhatsofJanottormentedwithabutterfly，shoutsdirectedatpedestrians，fistsonhips，boldattitudes，bareshoulders，immodestyunchained；achaosofshamelessnessdrivenbyacoachmancrownedwithflowers；thisiswhatthatinstitutionwaslike。
　　GreecestoodinneedofthechariotofThespis，Francestandsinneedofthehackney—coachofVade。
　　Everythingcanbeparodied，evenparody。TheSaturnalia，thatgrimaceofantiquebeauty，ends，throughexaggerationafterexaggeration，inShroveTuesday；andtheBacchanal，formerlycrownedwithspraysofvineleavesandgrapes，inundatedwithsunshine，displayinghermarblebreastinadivinesemi—nudity，havingatthepresentdaylosthershapeunderthesoakedragsoftheNorth，hasfinallycometobecalledtheJack—pudding。
　　Thetraditionofcarriage—loadsofmaskersrunsbacktothemostancientdaysofthemonarchy。TheaccountsofLouisXI。
　　allottothebailiffofthepalace"twentysous，Tournois，forthreecoachesofmascaradesinthecross—roads。"Inourday，thesenoisyheapsofcreaturesareaccustomedtohavethemselvesdriveninsomeancientcuckoocarriage，whoseimperialtheyloaddown，ortheyoverwhelmahiredlandau，withitstopthrownback，withtheirtumultuousgroups。Twentyofthemrideinacarriageintendedforsix。Theyclingtotheseats，totherumble，onthecheeksofthehood，ontheshafts。Theyevenbestridethecarriagelamps。Theystand，sit，lie，withtheirkneesdrawnupinaknot，andtheirlegshanging。Thewomensitonthemen’slaps。
　　Faraway，abovethethrongofheads，theirwildpyramidisvisible。
　　Thesecarriage—loadsformmountainsofmirthinthemidstoftherout。Colle，PanardandPironflowfromit，enrichedwithslang。
　　Thiscarriagewhichhasbecomecolossalthroughitsfreight，hasanairofconquest。Uproarreignsinfront，tumultbehind。
　　Peoplevociferate，shout，howl，theretheybreakforthandwrithewithenjoyment；gayetyroars；sarcasmflamesforth，jovialityisflauntedlikearedflag；twojadestheredragfarceblossomedforthintoanapotheosis；itisthetriumphalcaroflaughter。
　　Alaughterthatistoocynicaltobefrank。Intruth，thislaughterissuspicious。Thislaughterhasamission。
　　ItischargedwithprovingtheCarnivaltotheParisians。
　　Thesefishwifevehicles，inwhichonefeelsoneknowsnotwhatshadows，setthephilosophertothinking。Thereisgovernmenttherein。
　　Thereonelaysone’sfingeronamysteriousaffinitybetweenpublicmenandpublicwomen。
　　Itcertainlyissadthatturpitudeheapedupshouldgiveasumtotalofgayety，thatbypilingignominyuponopprobriumthepeopleshouldbeenticed，thatthesystemofspying，andservingascaryatidstoprostitutionshouldamusetherabblewhenitconfrontsthem，thatthecrowdlovestobeholdthatmonstrouslivingpileoftinselrags，halfdung，halflight，rollbyonfourwheelshowlingandlaughing，thattheyshouldclaptheirhandsatthisglorycomposedofallshames，thattherewouldbenofestivalforthepopulace，didnotthepolicepromenadeintheirmidstthesesortsoftwenty—headedhydrasofjoy。
　　Butwhatcanbedoneaboutit？Thesebe—ribbonedandbe—floweredtumbrilsofmireareinsultedandpardonedbythelaughterofthepublic。
　　Thelaughterofallistheaccompliceofuniversaldegradation。
　　Certainunhealthyfestivalsdisaggregatethepeopleandconvertthemintothepopulace。Andpopulaces，liketyrants，requirebuffoons。
　　TheKinghasRoquelaure，thepopulacehastheMerry—Andrew。Parisisagreat，madcityoneveryoccasionthatitisagreatsublimecity。
　　TheretheCarnivalformspartofpolitics。Paris，——letusconfessit——willinglyallowsinfamytofurnishitwithcomedy。
　　Sheonlydemandsofhermasters——whenshehasmasters——onething:
　　"Paintmethemud。"Romewasofthesamemind。ShelovedNero。
　　Nerowasatitaniclighterman。
　　Chanceordained，aswehavejustsaid，thatoneoftheseshapelessclustersofmaskedmenandwomen，draggedaboutonavastcalash，shouldhaltontheleftoftheboulevard，whiletheweddingtrainhaltedontheright。Thecarriage—loadofmaskscaughtsightoftheweddingcarriagecontainingthebridalpartyoppositethemontheothersideoftheboulevard。
　　"Hullo！"saidamasker，"here’sawedding。"
　　"Ashamwedding，"retortedanother。"Wearethegenuinearticle。"
　　And，beingtoofarofftoaccosttheweddingparty，andfearingalso，therebukeofthepolice，thetwomaskersturnedtheireyeselsewhere。
　　Attheendofanotherminute，thecarriage—loadofmaskershadtheirhandsfull，themultitudesettoyelling，whichisthecrowd’scaresstomasquerades；andthetwomaskerswhohadjustspokenhadtofacethethrongwiththeircomrades，anddidnotfindtheentirerepertoryofprojectilesofthefishmarketstooextensivetoretorttotheenormousverbalattacksofthepopulace。Afrightfulexchangeofmetaphorstookplacebetweenthemaskersandthecrowd。
　　Inthemeanwhile，twoothermaskersinthesamecarriage，aSpaniardwithanenormousnose，anelderlyair，andhugeblackmoustache，andagauntfishwife，whowasquiteayounggirl，maskedwithaloup，[67]hadalsonoticedthewedding，andwhiletheircompanionsandthepassers—bywereexchanginginsults，theyhadheldadialogueinalowvoice。
　　[67]Ashortmask。
　　Theirasidewascoveredbythetumultandwaslostinit。
　　Thegustsofrainhaddrenchedthefrontofthevehicle，whichwaswideopen；thebreezesofFebruaryarenotwarm；asthefishwife，cladinalow—neckedgown，repliedtotheSpaniard，sheshivered，laughedandcoughed。
　　Hereistheirdialogue:
　　"Say，now。"
　　"What，daddy？"
　　"Doyouseethatoldcove？"
　　"Whatoldcove？"
　　"Yonder，inthefirstwedding—cart，onourside。"
　　"Theonewithhisarmhungupinablackcravat？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Well？"
　　"I’msurethatIknowhim。"
　　"Ah！"
　　"I’mwillingthattheyshouldcutmythroat，andI’mreadytoswearthatIneversaideitheryou，thou，orI，inmylife，ifIdon’tknowthatParisian。"[pantinois。]
　　"ParisinPantinto—day。"
　　"Canyouseethebrideifyoustoopdown？"
　　"No。"
　　"Andthebridegroom？"
　　"There’snobridegroominthattrap。"
　　"Bah！"
　　"Unlessit’stheoldfellow。"
　　"Trytogetasightofthebridebystoopingverylow。"
　　"Ican’t。"
　　"Nevermind，thatoldcovewhohassomethingthematterwithhispawIknow，andthatI’mpositive。"
　　"Andwhatgooddoesitdotoknowhim？"
　　"Noonecantell。Sometimesitdoes！"
　　"Idon’tcareahangforoldfellows，thatIdon’t！"
　　"Iknowhim。"
　　"Knowhim，ifyouwantto。"
　　"Howthedevildoeshecometobeoneoftheweddingparty？"
　　"Weareinit，too。"
　　"Wheredoesthatweddingcomefrom？"
　　"HowshouldIknow？"
　　"Listen。"
　　"Well，what？"
　　"There’sonethingyououghttodo。"
　　"What’sthat？"
　　"Getoffofourtrapandspinthatwedding。"
　　"Whatfor？"
　　"Tofindoutwhereitgoes，andwhatitis。Hurryupandjumpdown，trot，mygirl，yourlegsareyoung。"
　　"Ican’tquitthevehicle。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"I’mhired。"
　　"Ah，thedevil！"
　　"Iowemyfishwifedaytotheprefecture。"
　　"That’strue。"
　　"IfIleavethecart，thefirstinspectorwhogetshiseyeonmewillarrestme。Youknowthatwellenough。"
　　"Yes，Ido。"
　　"I’mboughtbythegovernmentforto—day。"
　　"Allthesame，thatoldfellowbothersme。"
　　"Dotheoldfellowsbotheryou？Butyou’renotayounggirl。"
　　"He’sinthefirstcarriage。"
　　"Well？"
　　"Inthebride’strap。"
　　"Whatthen？"
　　"Soheisthefather。"
　　"Whatconcernisthatofmine？"
　　"Itellyouthathe’sthefather。"
　　"Asifheweretheonlyfather。"
　　"Listen。"
　　"What？"
　　"Ican’tgooutotherwisethanmasked。HereI’mconcealed，nooneknowsthatI’mhere。Butto—morrow，therewillbenomoremaskers。
　　It’sAshWednesday。Iruntheriskofbeingnabbed。Imustsneakbackintomyhole。Butyouarefree。"
　　"Notparticularly。"
　　"MorethanIam，atanyrate。"
　　"Well，whatofthat？"
　　"Youmusttrytofindoutwherethatwedding—partywentto。"
　　"Whereitwent？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Iknow。"
　　"Whereisitgoingthen？"
　　"TotheCadran—Bleu。"
　　"Inthefirstplace，it’snotinthatdirection。"
　　"Well！tolaRapee。"
　　"Orelsewhere。"
　　"It’sfree。Wedding—partiesareatliberty。"
　　"That’snotthepointatall。Itellyouthatyoumusttrytolearnformewhatthatweddingis，whothatoldcovebelongsto，andwherethatweddingpairlives。"
　　"Ilikethat！thatwouldbequeer。It’ssoeasytofindoutawedding—partythatpassedthroughthestreetonaShroveTuesday，aweekafterwards。Apininahay—mow！Itain’tpossible！"
　　"Thatdon’tmatter。Youmusttry。Youunderstandme，Azelma。"
　　Thetwofilesresumedtheirmovementonbothsidesoftheboulevard，inoppositedirections，andthecarriageofthemaskerslostsightofthe"trap"ofthebride。
　　CHAPTERII
　　JEANVALJEANSTILLWEARSHISARMINASLING
　　Torealizeone’sdream。Towhomisthisaccorded？Theremustbeelectionsforthisinheaven；weareallcandidates，unknowntoourselves；theangelsvote。CosetteandMariushadbeenelected。
　　Cosette，bothatthemayor’sofficeandatchurch，wasdazzlingandtouching。Toussaint，assistedbyNicolette，haddressedher。
　　Cosetteworeoverapetticoatofwhitetaffeta，herrobeofBincheguipure，aveilofEnglishpoint，anecklaceoffinepearls，awreathoforangeflowers；allthiswaswhite，and，fromthemidstofthatwhitenessshebeamedforth。Itwasanexquisitecandorexpandingandbecomingtransfiguredinthelight。Onewouldhavepronouncedheravirginonthepointofturningintoagoddess。
　　Marius’handsomehairwaslustrousandperfumed；hereandthere，beneaththethickcurls，palelines——thescarsofthebarricade——
　　werevisible。
　　Thegrandfather，haughty，withheadheldhigh，amalgamatingmorethaneverinhistoiletandhismannersalltheelegancesoftheepochofBarras，escortedCosette。HetooktheplaceofJeanValjean，who，onaccountofhisarmbeingstillinasling，couldnotgivehishandtothebride。
　　JeanValjean，dressedinblack，followedthemwithasmile。
　　"MonsieurFauchelevent，"saidthegrandfathertohim，"thisisafineday。Ivotefortheendofafflictionsandsorrows。
　　Henceforth，theremustbenosadnessanywhere。Pardieu，Idecreejoy！
　　Evilhasnorighttoexist。Thatthereshouldbeanyunhappymenis，insooth，adisgracetotheazureofthesky。Evildoesnotcomefromman，whoisgoodatbottom。Allhumanmiserieshavefortheircapitalandcentralgovernmenthell，otherwise，knownastheDevil’sTuileries。Good，hereIamutteringdemagogicalwords！
　　AsfarasIamconcerned，Ihavenolongeranypoliticalopinions；
　　letallmeberich，thatistosay，mirthful，andIconfinemyselftothat。"
　　When，attheconclusionofalltheceremonies，afterhavingpronouncedbeforethemayorandbeforethepriestallpossible"yesses，"afterhavingsignedtheregistersatthemunicipalityandatthesacristy，afterhavingexchangedtheirrings，afterhavingkneltsidebysideunderthepallofwhitemoireinthesmokeofthecenser，theyarrived，handinhand，admiredandenviedbyall，Mariusinblack，sheinwhite，precededbythesuisse，withtheepauletsofacolonel，tappingthepavementwithhishalberd，betweentworowsofastonishedspectators，attheportalsofthechurch，bothleavesofwhichwerethrownwideopen，readytoentertheircarriageagain，andallbeingfinished，Cosettestillcouldnotbelievethatitwasreal。ShelookedatMarius，shelookedatthecrowd，shelookedatthesky:itseemedasthoughshefearedthatsheshouldwakeupfromherdream。Heramazedanduneasyairaddedsomethingindescribablyenchantingtoherbeauty。
　　Theyenteredthesamecarriagetoreturnhome，MariusbesideCosette；
　　M。GillenormandandJeanValjeansatoppositethem；AuntGillenormandhadwithdrawnonedegree，andwasinthesecondvehicle。
　　"Mychildren，"saidthegrandfather，"hereyouare，MonsieurleBaronandMadamelaBaronne，withanincomeofthirtythousandlivres。"
　　AndCosette，nestlingclosetoMarius，caressedhisearwithanangelicwhisper:"Soitistrue。MynameisMarius。IamMadameThou。"
　　Thesetwocreatureswereresplendent。Theyhadreachedthatirrevocableandirrecoverablemoment，atthedazzlingintersectionofallyouthandalljoy。TheyrealizedtheversesofJeanProuvaire；
　　theywerefortyyearsoldtakentogether。Itwasmarriagesublimated；
　　thesetwochildrenweretwolilies。Theydidnotseeeachother，theydidnotcontemplateeachother。CosetteperceivedMariusinthemidstofaglory；MariusperceivedCosetteonanaltar。
　　Andonthataltar，andinthatglory，thetwoapotheosesmingling，inthebackground，oneknowsnothow，behindacloudforCosette，inaflashforMarius，therewastheidealthing，therealthing，themeetingofthekissandthedream，thenuptialpillow。
　　Allthetormentsthroughwhichtheyhadpassedcamebacktotheminintoxication。Itseemedtothemthattheirsorrows，theirsleeplessnights，theirtears，theiranguish，theirterrors，theirdespair，convertedintocaressesandraysoflight，renderedstillmorecharmingthecharminghourwhichwasapproaching；andthattheirgriefswerebutsomanyhandmaidenswhowerepreparingthetoiletofjoy。
　　Howgooditistohavesuffered！Theirunhappinessformedahaloroundtheirhappiness。Thelongagonyoftheirlovewasterminatinginanascension。
　　Itwasthesameenchantmentintwosouls，tingedwithvoluptuousnessinMarius，andwithmodestyinCosette。Theysaidtoeachotherinlowtones:"WewillgobacktotakealookatourlittlegardenintheRuePlumet。"ThefoldsofCosette’sgownlayacrossMarius。
　　Suchadayisanineffablemixtureofdreamandofreality。
　　Onepossessesandonesupposes。Onestillhastimebeforeonetodivine。
　　Theemotiononthatday，ofbeingatmid—dayandofdreamingofmidnightisindescribable。Thedelightsofthesetwoheartsoverfloweduponthecrowd，andinspiredthepassers—bywithcheerfulness。
　　PeoplehaltedintheRueSaint—Antoine，infrontofSaint—Paul，togazethroughthewindowsofthecarriageattheorange—flowersquiveringonCosette’shead。
　　ThentheyreturnedhometotheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire。Marius，triumphantandradiant，mountedsidebysidewithCosettethestaircaseupwhichhehadbeenborneinadyingcondition。Thepoor，whohadtroopedtothedoor，andwhosharedtheirpurses，blessedthem。
　　Therewereflowerseverywhere。Thehousewasnolessfragrantthanthechurch；aftertheincense，roses。Theythoughttheyheardvoicescarollingintheinfinite；theyhadGodintheirhearts；
　　destinyappearedtothemlikeaceilingofstars；abovetheirheadstheybeheldthelightofarisingsun。Allatonce，theclockstruck。
　　MariusglancedatCosette’scharmingbarearm，andattherosythingswhichwerevaguelyvisiblethroughthelaceofherbodice，andCosette，interceptingMarius’glance，blushedtoherveryhair。
　　QuiteanumberofoldfamilyfriendsoftheGillenormandfamilyhadbeeninvited；theypressedaboutCosette。EachoneviedwiththerestinsalutingherasMadamelaBaronne。
　　Theofficer，TheoduleGillenormand，nowacaptain，hadcomefromChartres，wherehewasstationedingarrison，tobepresentattheweddingofhiscousinPontmercy。Cosettedidnotrecognizehim。
　　He，onhisside，habituatedashewastohavewomenconsiderhimhandsome，retainednomorerecollectionofCosettethanofanyotherwoman。
　　"HowrightIwasnottobelieveinthatstoryaboutthelancer！"
　　saidFatherGillenormand，tohimself。
　　CosettehadneverbeenmoretenderwithJeanValjean。
　　ShewasinunisonwithFatherGillenormand；whileheerectedjoyintoaphorismsandmaxims，sheexhaledgoodnesslikeaperfume。
　　Happinessdesiresthatalltheworldshouldbehappy。
　　Sheregained，forthepurposeofaddressingJeanValjean，inflectionsofvoicebelongingtothetimewhenshewasalittlegirl。
　　Shecaressedhimwithhersmile。
　　Abanquethadbeenspreadinthedining—room。
　　Illuminationasbrilliantasthedaylightisthenecessaryseasoningofagreatjoy。Mistandobscurityarenotacceptedbythehappy。
　　Theydonotconsenttobeblack。Thenight，yes；theshadows，no。
　　Ifthereisnosun，onemustbemade。
　　Thedining—roomwasfullofgaythings。Inthecentre，abovethewhiteandglitteringtable，wasaVenetianlustrewithflatplates，withallsortsofcoloredbirds，blue，violet，red，andgreen，perchedamidthecandles；aroundthechandelier，girandoles，onthewalls，sconceswithtripleandquintuplebranches；mirrors，silverware，glassware，plate，porcelain，faience，pottery，goldandsilversmith’swork，allwassparklingandgay。Theemptyspacesbetweenthecandelabrawerefilledinwithbouquets，sothatwheretherewasnotalight，therewasaflower。
　　Intheantechamber，threeviolinsandaflutesoftlyplayedquartettesbyHaydn。
　　JeanValjeanhadseatedhimselfonachairinthedrawing—room，behindthedoor，theleafofwhichfoldedbackuponhiminsuchamannerastonearlyconcealhim。Afewmomentsbeforetheysatdowntotable，Cosettecame，asthoughinspiredbyasuddenwhim，andmadehimadeepcourtesy，spreadingoutherbridaltoiletwithbothhands，andwithatenderlyroguishglance，sheaskedhim:
　　"Father，areyousatisfied？"
　　"Yes，"saidJeanValjean，"Iamcontent！"
　　"Well，then，laugh。"
　　JeanValjeanbegantolaugh。
　　Afewmomentslater，Basqueannouncedthatdinnerwasserved。
　　Theguests，precededbyM。GillenormandwithCosetteonhisarm，enteredthedining—room，andarrangedthemselvesintheproperorderaroundthetable。
　　Twolargearm—chairsfiguredontherightandleftofthebride，thefirstforM。Gillenormand，theotherforJeanValjean。
　　M。Gillenormandtookhisseat。Theotherarm—chairremainedempty。
　　TheylookedaboutforM。Fauchelevent。
　　Hewasnolongerthere。
　　M。GillenormandquestionedBasque。
　　"DoyouknowwhereM。Faucheleventis？"
　　"Sir，"repliedBasque，"Ido，precisely。M。Faucheleventtoldmetosaytoyou，sir，thathewassuffering，hisinjuredhandwaspaininghimsomewhat，andthathecouldnotdinewithMonsieurleBaronandMadamelaBaronne。Thathebeggedtobeexcused，thathewouldcometo—morrow。Hehasjusttakenhisdeparture。"
　　Thatemptyarm—chairchilledtheeffusionoftheweddingfeastforamoment。But，ifM。Faucheleventwasabsent，M。Gillenormandwaspresent，andthegrandfatherbeamedfortwo。
　　HeaffirmedthatM。Faucheleventhaddonewelltoretireearly，ifheweresuffering，butthatitwasonlyaslightailment。
　　Thisdeclarationsufficed。Moreover，whatisanobscurecornerinsuchasubmersionofjoy？CosetteandMariuswerepassingthroughoneofthoseegotisticalandblessedmomentswhennootherfacultyislefttoapersonthanthatofreceivinghappiness。
　　Andthen，anideaoccurredtoM。Gillenormand。——"Pardieu，thisarmchairisempty。Comehither，Marius。Yourauntwillpermitit，althoughshehasarighttoyou。Thisarmchairisforyou。
　　Thatislegalanddelightful。FortunatusbesideFortunata。"——
　　Applausefromthewholetable。MariustookJeanValjean’splacebesideCosette，andthingsfelloutsothatCosette，whohad，atfirst，beensaddenedbyJeanValjean’sabsence，endedbybeingsatisfiedwithit。FromthemomentwhenMariustookhisplace，andwasthesubstitute，CosettewouldnothaveregrettedGodhimself。
　　Shesethersweetlittlefoot，shodinwhitesatin，onMarius’foot。
　　Thearm—chairbeingoccupied，M。Faucheleventwasobliterated；
　　andnothingwaslacking。
　　And，fiveminutesafterward，thewholetablefromoneendtotheother，waslaughingwithalltheanimationofforgetfulness。
　　Atdessert，M。Gillenormand，risingtohisfeet，withaglassofchampagneinhishand——onlyhalffullsothatthepalsyofhiseightyyearsmightnotcauseanoverflow，——proposedthehealthofthemarriedpair。
　　"Youshallnotescapetwosermons，"heexclaimed。"Thismorningyouhadonefromthecure，thiseveningyoushallhaveonefromyourgrandfather。Listentome；Iwillgiveyouabitofadvice:
　　Adoreeachother。Idonotmakeapackofgyrations，Igostraighttothemark，behappy。Inallcreation，onlytheturtle—dovesarewise。
　　Philosopherssay:`Moderateyourjoys。’Isay:`Givereintoyourjoys。’Beasmuchsmittenwitheachotherasfiends。
　　Beinarageaboutit。Thephilosopherstalkstuffandnonsense。
　　Ishouldliketostufftheirphilosophydowntheirgulletsagain。
　　Cantherebetoomanyperfumes，toomanyopenrose—buds，toomanynightingalessinging，toomanygreenleaves，toomuchaurorainlife？canpeopleloveeachothertoomuch？canpeoplepleaseeachothertoomuch？Takecare，Estelle，thouarttoopretty！
　　Haveacare，Nemorin，thouarttoohandsome！Finestupidity，insooth！
　　Canpeopleenchanteachothertoomuch，cajoleeachothertoomuch，charmeachothertoomuch？Canonebetoomuchalive，toohappy？
　　Moderateyourjoys。Ah，indeed！Downwiththephilosophers！
　　Wisdomconsistsinjubilation。Makemerry，letusmakemerry。
　　Arewehappybecausewearegood，orarewegoodbecausewearehappy？
　　IstheSancydiamondcalledtheSancybecauseitbelongedtoHarleydeSancy，orbecauseitweighssixhundredcarats？
　　Iknownothingaboutit，lifeisfullofsuchproblems；theimportantpointistopossesstheSancyandhappiness。Letusbehappywithoutquibblingandquirking。Letusobeythesunblindly。
　　Whatisthesun？Itislove。Hewhosayslove，sayswoman。
　　Ah！ah！beholdomnipotence——women。AskthatdemagogueofaMariusifheisnottheslaveofthatlittletyrantofaCosette。Andofhisownfreewill，too，thecoward！Woman！ThereisnoRobespierrewhokeepshisplacebutwomanreigns。IamnolongerRoyalistexcepttowardsthatroyalty。WhatisAdam？ThekingdomofEve。
　　No’89forEve。Therehasbeentheroyalsceptresurmountedbyafleur—de—lys，therehasbeentheimperialsceptresurmountedbyaglobe，therehasbeenthesceptreofCharlemagne，whichwasofiron，therehasbeenthesceptreofLouistheGreat，whichwasofgold，——
　　therevolutiontwistedthembetweenitsthumbandforefinger，ha’pennystraws；itisdonewith，itisbroken，itliesontheearth，thereisnolongeranysceptre，butmakemearevolutionagainstthatlittleembroideredhandkerchief，whichsmellsofpatchouli！
　　Ishouldliketoseeyoudoit。Try。Whyisitsosolid？Becauseitisagewgaw。Ah！youarethenineteenthcentury？Well，whatthen？
　　Andwehavebeenasfoolishasyou。Donotimaginethatyouhaveeffectedmuchchangeintheuniverse，becauseyourtrip—gallantiscalledthecholera—morbus，andbecauseyourpourreeiscalledthecachuca。
　　Infact，thewomenmustalwaysbeloved。Idefyyoutoescapefromthat。
　　Thesefriendsareourangels。Yes，love，woman，thekissformsacirclefromwhichIdefyyoutoescape；and，formyownpart，Ishouldbeonlytoohappytore—enterit。WhichofyouhasseentheplanetVenus，thecoquetteoftheabyss，theCelimeneoftheocean，riseintheinfinite，calmingallherebelow？
　　TheoceanisaroughAlcestis。Well，grumbleashewill，whenVenusappearsheisforcedtosmile。Thatbrutebeastsubmits。Weareallmadeso。Wrath，tempest，clapsofthunder，foamtotheveryceiling。
　　Awomanentersonthescene，aplanetrises；flatonyourface！
　　Mariuswasfightingsixmonthsago；to—dayheismarried。
　　Thatiswell。Yes，Marius，yes，Cosette，youareintheright。
　　Existboldlyforeachother，makeusburstwithragethatwecannotdothesame，idealizeeachother，catchinyourbeaksallthetinybladesoffelicitythatexistonearth，andarrangeyourselvesanestforlife。Pardi，tolove，tobeloved，whatafinemiraclewhenoneisyoung！Don’timaginethatyouhaveinventedthat。I，too，havehadmydream，I，too，havemeditated，I，too，havesighed；I，too，havehadamoonlightsoul。Loveisachildsixthousandyearsold。
　　Lovehastherighttoalongwhitebeard。MethusalemisastreetarabbesideCupid。Forsixtycenturiesmenandwomenhavegotoutoftheirscrapebyloving。Thedevil，whoiscunning，tooktohatingman；man，whoisstillmorecunning，tooktolovingwoman。
　　Inthiswayhedoesmoregoodthanthedevildoeshimharm。
　　Thiscraftwasdiscoveredinthedaysoftheterrestrialparadise。
　　Theinventionisold，myfriends，butitisperfectlynew。Profitbyit。
　　BeDaphnisandChloe，whilewaitingtobecomePhilemonandBaucis。
　　Managesothat，whenyouarewitheachother，nothingshallbelackingtoyou，andthatCosettemaybethesunforMarius，andthatMariusmaybetheuniversetoCosette。Cosette，letyourfineweatherbethesmileofyourhusband；Marius，letyourrainbeyourwife’stears。Andletitneverraininyourhousehold。
　　Youhavefilchedthewinningnumberinthelottery；youhavegainedthegreatprize，guarditwell，keepitunderlockandkey，donotsquanderit，adoreeachotherandsnapyourfingersatalltherest。BelievewhatIsaytoyou。Itisgoodsense。
　　Andgoodsensecannotlie。Beareligiontoeachother。
　　EachmanhashisownfashionofadoringGod。Saperlotte！thebestwaytoadoreGodistoloveone’swife。Ilovethee！that’smycatechism。Hewholovesisorthodox。TheoathofHenriIV。
　　placessanctitysomewherebetweenfeastinganddrunkenness。
　　Ventre—saint—gris！Idon’tbelongtothereligionofthatoath。
　　Womanisforgotteninit。ThisastonishesmeonthepartofHenriIV。Myfriends，longlivewomen！Iamold，theysay；
　　it’sastonishinghowmuchIfeelinthemoodtobeyoung。Ishouldliketogoandlistentothebagpipesinthewoods。Childrenwhocontrivetobebeautifulandcontented，——thatintoxicatesme。
　　Iwouldlikegreatlytogetmarried，ifanyonewouldhaveme。
　　ItisimpossibletoimaginethatGodcouldhavemadeusforanythingbutthis:toidolize，tocoo，topreenourselves，tobedove—like，tobedainty，tobillandcooourlovesfrommorntonight，togazeatone’simageinone’slittlewife，tobeproud，tobetriumphant，toplumeoneself；thatistheaimoflife。There，letnotthatdispleaseyouwhichweusedtothinkinourday，whenwewereyoungfolks。
　　Ah！vertu—bamboche！whatcharmingwomentherewereinthosedays，andwhatprettylittlefacesandwhatlovelylasses！Icommittedmyravagesamongthem。Thenloveeachother。Ifpeopledidnotloveeachother，Ireallydonotseewhatusetherewouldbeinhavinganyspringtime；andformyownpart，IshouldpraythegoodGodtoshutupallthebeautifulthingsthatheshowsus，andtotakeawayfromusandputbackinhisbox，theflowers，thebirds，andtheprettymaidens。Mychildren，receiveanoldman’sblessing。
　　Theeveningwasgay，livelyandagreeable。Thegrandfather’ssovereigngoodhumorgavethekey—notetothewholefeast，andeachpersonregulatedhisconductonthatalmostcentenariancordiality。
　　Theydancedalittle，theylaughedagreatdeal；itwasanamiablewedding。GoodmanDaysofYoremighthavebeeninvitedtoit。However，hewaspresentinthepersonofFatherGillenormand。
　　Therewasatumult，thensilence。
　　Themarriedpairdisappeared。
　　Alittleaftermidnight，theGillenormandhousebecameatemple。
　　Herewepause。Onthethresholdofweddingnightsstandsasmilingangelwithhisfingeronhislips。
　　Thesoulentersintocontemplationbeforethatsanctuarywherethecelebrationoflovetakesplace。
　　Thereshouldbeflashesoflightathwartsuchhouses。Thejoywhichtheycontainoughttomakeitsescapethroughthestonesofthewallsinbrilliancy，andvaguelyilluminatethegloom。
　　Itisimpossiblethatthissacredandfatalfestivalshouldnotgiveoffacelestialradiancetotheinfinite。Loveisthesublimecruciblewhereinthefusionofthemanandthewomantakesplace；
　　thebeingone，thebeingtriple，thebeingfinal，thehumantrinityproceedsfromit。Thisbirthoftwosoulsintoone，oughttobeanemotionforthegloom。Theloveristhepriest；theravishedvirginisterrified。SomethingofthatjoyascendstoGod。
　　Wheretruemarriageis，thatistosay，wherethereislove，theidealentersin。Anuptialbedmakesanookofdawnamidtheshadows。
　　Ifitweregiventotheeyeofthefleshtoscantheformidableandcharmingvisionsoftheupperlife，itisprobablethatweshouldbeholdtheformsofnight，thewingedunknowns，thebluepassersoftheinvisible，benddown，athrongofsombreheads，aroundtheluminoushouse，satisfied，showeringbenedictions，pointingouttoeachotherthevirginwifegentlyalarmed，sweetlyterrified，andbearingthereflectionofhumanblissupontheirdivinecountenances。Ifatthatsupremehour，theweddedpair，dazzledwithvoluptuousnessandbelievingthemselvesalone，weretolisten，theywouldhearintheirchamberaconfusedrustlingofwings。Perfecthappinessimpliesamutualunderstandingwiththeangels。Thatdarklittlechamberhasallheavenforitsceiling。
　　Whentwomouths，renderedsacredbylove，approachtocreate，itisimpossiblethatthereshouldnotbe，abovethatineffablekiss，aquiveringthroughouttheimmensemysteryofstars。
　　Thesefelicitiesarethetrueones。Thereisnojoyoutsideofthesejoys。Loveistheonlyecstasy。Alltherestweeps。
　　Tolove，ortohaveloved，——thissuffices。Demandnothingmore。
　　Thereisnootherpearltobefoundintheshadowyfoldsoflife。
　　Toloveisafulfilment。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　THEINSEPARABLE
　　WhathadbecomeofJeanValjean？
　　Immediatelyafterhavinglaughed，atCosette’sgracefulcommand，whennoonewaspayinganyheedtohim，JeanValjeanhadrisenandhadgainedtheantechamberunperceived。Thiswastheveryroomwhich，eightmonthsbefore，hehadenteredblackwithmud，withbloodandpowder，bringingbackthegrandsontothegrandfather。
　　Theoldwainscotingwasgarlandedwithfoliageandflowers；
　　themusicianswereseatedonthesofaonwhichtheyhadlaidMariusdown。Basque，inablackcoat，knee—breeches，whitestockingsandwhitegloves，wasarrangingrosesroundallofthedishesthatweretobeserved。JeanValjeanpointedtohisarminitssling，chargedBasquetoexplainhisabsence，andwentaway。
　　Thelongwindowsofthedining—roomopenedonthestreet。
　　JeanValjeanstoodforseveralminutes，erectandmotionlessinthedarkness，beneaththoseradiantwindows。Helistened。
　　Theconfusedsoundsofthebanquetreachedhisear。Heheardtheloud，commandingtonesofthegrandfather，theviolins，theclatteroftheplates，theburstsoflaughter，andthroughallthatmerryuproar，hedistinguishedCosette’ssweetandjoyousvoice。
　　HequittedtheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire，andreturnedtotheRuedel’HommeArme。
　　Inordertoreturnthither，hetooktheRueSaint—Louis，theRueCulture—Sainte—Catherine，andtheBlancs—Manteaux；itwasalittlelonger，butitwastheroadthroughwhich，forthelastthreemonths，hehadbecomeaccustomedtopasseverydayonhiswayfromtheRuedel’HommeArmetotheRuedesFilles—du—Calvaire，inordertoavoidtheobstructionsandthemudintheRueVielle—du—Temple。
　　Thisroad，throughwhichCosettehadpassed，excludedforhimallpossibilityofanyotheritinerary。
　　JeanValjeanenteredhislodgings。Helightedhiscandleandmountedthestairs。Theapartmentwasempty。EvenToussaintwasnolongerthere。JeanValjean’sstepmademorenoisethanusualinthechambers。Allthecupboardsstoodopen。
　　HepenetratedtoCosette’sbedroom。Therewerenosheetsonthebed。
　　Thepillow，coveredwithticking，andwithoutacaseorlace，waslaidontheblanketsfoldeduponthefootofthemattress，whosecoveringwasvisible，andonwhichnoonewasevertosleepagain。
　　AllthelittlefeminineobjectswhichCosettewasattachedtohadbeencarriedaway；nothingremainedexcepttheheavyfurnitureandthefourwalls。Toussaint’sbedwasdespoiledinlikemanner。
　　Onebedonlywasmadeup，andseemedtobewaitingsomeone，andthiswasJeanValjean’sbed。
　　JeanValjeanlookedatthewalls，closedsomeofthecupboarddoors，andwentandcamefromoneroomtoanother。
　　Thenhesoughthisownchamberoncemore，andsethiscandleonatable。
　　Hehaddisengagedhisarmfromthesling，andheusedhisrighthandasthoughitdidnothurthim。
　　Heapproachedhisbed，andhiseyesrested，wasitbychance？
　　wasitintentionally？ontheinseparableofwhichCosettehadbeenjealous，onthelittleportmanteauwhichneverlefthim。
　　OnhisarrivalintheRuedel’HommeArme，onthe4thofJune，hehaddepositeditonaroundtableneartheheadofhisbed。
　　Hewenttothistablewithasortofvivacity，tookakeyfromhispocket，andopenedthevalise。
　　Fromitheslowlydrewforththegarmentsinwhich，tenyearsbefore，CosettehadquittedMontfermeil；firstthelittlegown，thentheblackfichu，thenthestout，coarsechild’sshoeswhichCosettemightalmosthavewornstill，sotinywereherfeet，thenthefustianbodice，whichwasverythick，thentheknittedpetticoat，nexttheapronwithpockets，thenthewoollenstockings。
　　Thesestockings，whichstillpreservedthegracefulformofatinyleg，werenolongerthanJeanValjean’shand。Allthiswasblackofhue。
　　ItwashewhohadbroughtthosegarmentstoMontfermeilforher。
　　Asheremovedthemfromthevalise，helaidthemonthebed。
　　Hefelltothinking。Hecalledupmemories。Itwasinwinter，inaverycoldmonthofDecember，shewasshivering，half—naked，inrags，herpoorlittlefeetwereallredintheirwoodenshoes。
　　He，JeanValjean，hadmadeherabandonthoseragstoclotheherselfinthesemourninghabiliments。Themothermusthavefeltpleasedinhergrave，toseeherdaughterwearingmourningforher，and，aboveall，toseethatshewasproperlyclothed，andthatshewaswarm。
　　HethoughtofthatforestofMontfermeil；theyhadtraversedittogether，Cosetteandhe；hethoughtofwhattheweatherhadbeen，oftheleaflesstrees，ofthewooddestituteofbirds，ofthesunlesssky；itmatterednot，itwascharming。Hearrangedthetinygarmentsonthebed，thefichunexttothepetticoat，thestockingsbesidetheshoes，andhelookedatthem，oneaftertheother。
　　Shewasnotallerthanthat，shehadherbigdollinherarms，shehadputherlouisd’orinthepocketofthatapron，shehadlaughed，theywalkedhandinhand，shehadnooneintheworldbuthim。
　　Thenhisvenerable，whiteheadfellforwardonthebed，thatstoicaloldheartbroke，hisfacewasengulfed，sotospeak，inCosette’sgarments，andifanyonehadpassedupthestairsatthatmoment，hewouldhaveheardfrightfulsobs。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　THEIMMORTALLIVER[68]
　　[68]InallusiontothestoryofPrometheus。
　　Theoldandformidablestruggle，ofwhichwehavealreadywitnessedsomanyphases，beganoncemore。
　　Jacobstruggledwiththeangelbutonenight。Alas！howmanytimeshavewebeheldJeanValjeanseizedbodilybyhisconscience，inthedarkness，andstrugglingdesperatelyagainstit！
　　Unheard—ofconflict！Atcertainmomentsthefootslips；atothermomentsthegroundcrumblesawayunderfoot。Howmanytimeshadthatconscience，madforthegood，claspedandoverthrownhim！
　　Howmanytimeshadthetruthsetherkneeinexorablyuponhisbreast！
　　Howmanytimes，hurledtoearthbythelight，hadhebeggedformercy！
　　Howmanytimeshadthatimplacablespark，lightedwithinhim，anduponhimbytheBishop，dazzledhimbyforcewhenhehadwishedtobeblind！Howmanytimeshadherisentohisfeetinthecombat，heldfasttotherock，leaningagainstsophism，draggedinthedust，nowgettingtheupperhandofhisconscience，againoverthrownbyit！Howmanytimes，afteranequivoque，afterthespeciousandtreacherousreasoningofegotism，hadheheardhisirritatedconsciencecryinhisear:"Atrip！youwretch！"
　　Howmanytimeshadhisrefractorythoughtsrattledconvulsivelyinhisthroat，undertheevidenceofduty！ResistancetoGod。