CHAPTERV
　　APROVIDENTIALPEEP—HOLE
　　Mariushadlivedforfiveyearsinpoverty，indestitution，evenindistress，buthenowperceivedthathehadnotknownrealmisery。Truemiseryhehadbutjusthadaviewof。
　　Itwasitsspectrewhichhadjustpassedbeforehiseyes。
　　Infact，hewhohasonlybeheldthemiseryofmanhasseennothing；
　　themiseryofwomaniswhathemustsee；hewhohasseenonlythemiseryofwomanhasseennothing；hemustseethemiseryofthechild。
　　Whenamanhasreachedhislastextremity，hehasreachedhislastresourcesatthesametime。Woetothedefencelessbeingswhosurroundhim！Work，wages，bread，fire，courage，goodwill，allfailhimsimultaneously。Thelightofdayseemsextinguishedwithout，themorallightwithin；intheseshadowsmanencountersthefeeblenessofthewomanandthechild，andbendsthemviolentlytoignominy。
　　Thenallhorrorsbecomepossible。Despairissurroundedwithfragilepartitionswhichallopenoneitherviceorcrime。
　　Health，youth，honor，alltheshydelicaciesoftheyoungbody，theheart，virginity，modesty，thatepidermisofthesoul，aremanipulatedinsinisterwisebythatfumblingwhichseeksresources，whichencountersopprobrium，andwhichaccomodatesitselftoit。
　　Fathers，mothers，children，brothers，sisters，men，women，daughters，adhereandbecomeincorporated，almostlikeamineralformation，inthatduskypromiscuousnessofsexes，relationships，ages，infamies，andinnocences。Theycrouch，backtoback，inasortofhutoffate。
　　Theyexchangewoe—begoneglances。Oh，theunfortunatewretches！
　　Howpaletheyare！Howcoldtheyare！Itseemsasthoughtheydweltinaplanetmuchfurtherfromthesunthanours。
　　ThisyounggirlwastoMariusasortofmessengerfromtherealmofsadshadows。Sherevealedtohimahideoussideofthenight。
　　Mariusalmostreproachedhimselfforthepreoccupationsofreveryandpassionwhichhadpreventedhisbestowingaglanceonhisneighborsuptothatday。Thepaymentoftheirrenthadbeenamechanicalmovement，whichanyonewouldhaveyieldedto；
　　buthe，Marius，shouldhavedonebetterthanthat。What！onlyawallseparatedhimfromthoseabandonedbeingswholivedgropinglyinthedarkoutsidethepaleoftherestoftheworld，hewaselbowtoelbowwiththem，hewas，insomesort，thelastlinkofthehumanracewhichtheytouched，heheardthemlive，orrather，rattleinthedeathagonybesidehim，andhepaidnoheedtothem！
　　Everyday，everyinstant，heheardthemwalkingontheothersideofthewall，heheardthemgo，andcome，andspeak，andhedidnotevenlendanear！Andgroanslayinthosewords，andhedidnotevenlistentothem，histhoughtswereelsewhere，givenuptodreams，toimpossibleradiances，tolovesintheair，tofollies；
　　andallthewhile，humancreatures，hisbrothersinJesusChrist，hisbrothersinthepeople，wereagonizinginvainbesidehim！
　　Heevenformedapartoftheirmisfortune，andheaggravatedit。
　　Foriftheyhadhadanotherneighborwhowaslesschimericalandmoreattentive，anyordinaryandcharitableman，evidentlytheirindigencewouldhavebeennoticed，theirsignalsofdistresswouldhavebeenperceived，andtheywouldhavebeentakenholdofandrescued！
　　Theyappearedverycorruptandverydepraved，nodoubt，veryvile，veryodiouseven；butthosewhofallwithoutbecomingdegradedarerare；besides，thereisapointwheretheunfortunateandtheinfamousuniteandareconfoundedinasingleword，afatalword，themiserable；whosefaultisthis？Andthenshouldnotthecharitybeallthemoreprofound，inproportionasthefallisgreat？
　　Whilereadinghimselfthismorallesson，fortherewereoccasionsonwhichMarius，likealltrulyhonesthearts，washisownpedagogueandscoldedhimselfmorethanhedeserved，hestaredatthewallwhichseparatedhimfromtheJondrettes，asthoughhewereabletomakehisgaze，fullofpity，penetratethatpartitionandwarmthesewretchedpeople。Thewallwasathinlayerofplasterupheldbylathesandbeams，and，asthereaderhadjustlearned，itallowedthesoundofvoicesandwordstobeclearlydistinguished。
　　OnlyamanasdreamyasMariuscouldhavefailedtoperceivethislongbefore。Therewasnopaperpastedonthewall，eitheronthesideoftheJondrettesoronthatofMarius；thecoarseconstructionwasvisibleinitsnakedness。Mariusexaminedthepartition，almostunconsciously；sometimesreveryexamines，observes，andscrutinizesasthoughtwould。Allatoncehesprangup；
　　hehadjustperceived，nearthetop，closetotheceiling，atriangularhole，whichresultedfromthespacebetweenthreelathes。
　　Theplasterwhichshouldhavefilledthiscavitywasmissing，andbymountingonthecommode，aviewcouldbehadthroughthisapertureintotheJondrettes’attic。Commiserationhas，andshouldhave，itscuriosity。Thisapertureformedasortofpeep—hole。Itispermissibletogazeatmisfortunelikeatraitorinordertosuccorit。[27]
　　[27]Thepeep—holeisaJudasinFrench。Hencethehalf—punningallusion。
　　"Letusgetsomelittleideaofwhatthesepeoplearelike，"
　　thoughtMarius，"andinwhatconditiontheyare。"
　　Heclimbeduponthecommode，puthiseyetothecrevice，andlooked。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　THEWILDMANINHISLAIR
　　Cities，likeforests，havetheircavernsinwhichallthemostwickedandformidablecreatureswhichtheycontainconcealthemselves。Only，incities，thatwhichthusconcealsitselfisferocious，unclean，andpetty，thatistosay，ugly；inforests，thatwhichconcealsitselfisferocious，savage，andgrand，thatistosay，beautiful。Takingonelairwithanother，thebeast’sispreferabletotheman’s。Cavernsarebetterthanhovels。
　　WhatMariusnowbeheldwasahovel。
　　Mariuswaspoor，andhischamberwaspoverty—stricken，butashispovertywasnoble，hisgarretwasneat。Thedenuponwhichhiseyenowrestedwasabject，dirty，fetid，pestiferous，mean，sordid。Theonlyfurnitureconsistedofastrawchair，aninfirmtable，someoldbitsofcrockery，andintwoofthecorners，twoindescribablepallets；
　　allthelightwasfurnishdbyadormerwindowoffourpanes，drapedwithspiders’webs。Throughthisaperturetherepenetratedjustenoughlighttomakethefaceofamanappearlikethefaceofaphantom。Thewallshadaleprousaspect，andwerecoveredwithseamsandscars，likeavisagedisfiguredbysomehorriblemalady；
　　arepulsivemoistureexudedfromthem。Obscenesketchesroughlysketchedwithcharcoalcouldbedistinguisheduponthem。
　　ThechamberwhichMariusoccupiedhadadilapidatedbrickpavement；
　　thisonewasneithertilednorplanked；itsinhabitantssteppeddirectlyontheantiqueplasterofthehovel，whichhadgrownblackunderthelong—continuedpressureoffeet。Uponthisunevenfloor，wherethedirtseemedtobefairlyincrusted，andwhichpossessedbutonevirginity，thatofthebroom，werecapriciouslygroupedconstellationsofoldshoes，socks，andrepulsiverags；however，thisroomhadafireplace，soitwasletforfortyfrancsayear。
　　Therewaseverysortofthinginthatfireplace，abrazier，apot，brokenboards，ragssuspendedfromnails，abird—cage，ashes，andevenalittlefire。Twobrandsweresmoulderingthereinamelancholyway。
　　Onethingwhichaddedstillmoretothehorrorsofthisgarretwas，thatitwaslarge。Ithadprojectionsandanglesandblackholes，thelowersidesofroofs，bays，andpromontories。Hencehorrible，unfathomablenookswhereitseemedasthoughspidersasbigasone’sfist，wood—liceaslargeasone’sfoot，andperhapseven——whoknows？——
　　somemonstroushumanbeings，mustbehiding。
　　Oneofthepalletswasnearthedoor，theothernearthewindow。
　　OneendofeachtouchedthefireplaceandfacedMarius。InacornerneartheaperturethroughwhichMariuswasgazing，acoloredengravinginablackframewassuspendedtoanailonthewall，andatitsbottom，inlargeletters，wastheinscription:THEDREAM。
　　Thisrepresentedasleepingwoman，andachild，alsoasleep，thechildonthewoman’slap，aneagleinacloud，withacrowninhisbeak，andthewomanthrustingthecrownawayfromthechild’shead，withoutawakingthelatter；inthebackground，Napoleoninaglory，leaningonaverybluecolumnwithayellowcapitalornamentedwiththisinscription:
　　MARINGO
　　AUSTERLITS
　　IENA
　　WAGRAMME
　　ELOT
　　Beneaththisframe，asortofwoodenpanel，whichwasnolongerthanitwasbroad，stoodonthegroundandrestedinaslopingattitudeagainstthewall。Ithadtheappearanceofapicturewithitsfaceturnedtothewall，ofaframeprobablyshowingadaubontheotherside，ofsomepier—glassdetachedfromawallandlyingforgottentherewhilewaitingtoberehung。
　　Nearthetable，uponwhichMariusdescriedapen，ink，andpaper，satamanaboutsixtyyearsofage，small，thin，livid，haggard，withacunning，cruel，anduneasyair；ahideousscoundrel。
　　IfLavaterhadstudiedthisvisage，hewouldhavefoundthevulturemingledwiththeattorneythere，thebirdofpreyandthepettifoggerrenderingeachothermutuallyhideousandcomplementingeachother；
　　thepettifoggermakingthebirdofpreyignoble，thebirdofpreymakingthepettifoggerhorrible。
　　Thismanhadalonggraybeard。Hewascladinawoman’schemise，whichallowedhishairybreastandhisbarearms，bristlingwithgrayhair，tobeseen。Beneaththischemise，muddytrousersandbootsthroughwhichhistoesprojectedwerevisible。
　　Hehadapipeinhismouthandwassmoking。Therewasnobreadinthehovel，buttherewasstilltobacco。
　　HewaswritingprobablysomemoreletterslikethosewhichMariushadread。
　　Onthecornerofthetablelayanancient，dilapidated，reddishvolume，andthesize，whichwastheantique12moofreading—rooms，betrayedaromance。Onthecoversprawledthefollowingtitle，printedinlargecapitals:GOD；THEKING；HONORANDTHELADIES；
　　BYDUCRAYDUMINIL，1814。
　　Asthemanwrote，hetalkedaloud，andMariusheardhiswords:——
　　"Theideathatthereisnoequality，evenwhenyouaredead！
　　JustlookatPereLachaise！Thegreat，thosewhoarerich，areupabove，intheacaciaalley，whichispaved。Theycanreachitinacarriage。
　　Thelittlepeople，thepoor，theunhappy，well，whatofthem？theyareputdownbelow，wherethemudisuptoyourknees，inthedampplaces。Theyareputtheresothattheywilldecaythesooner！
　　Youcannotgotoseethemwithoutsinkingintotheearth。"
　　Hepaused，smotethetablewithhisfist，andadded，ashegroundhisteeth:——
　　"Oh！Icouldeatthewholeworld！"
　　Abigwoman，whomightbefortyyearsofage，orahundred，wascrouchingnearthefireplaceonherbareheels。
　　She，too，wascladonlyinachemiseandaknittedpetticoatpatchedwithbitsofoldcloth。Acoarselinenapronconcealedthehalfofherpetticoat。Althoughthiswomanwasdoubledupandbenttogether，itcouldbeseenthatshewasofveryloftystature。
　　Shewasasortofgiant，besideherhusband。Shehadhideoushair，ofareddishblondwhichwasturninggray，andwhichshethrustbackfromtimetotime，withherenormousshininghands，withtheirflatnails。
　　Besideher，onthefloor，wideopen，layabookofthesameformastheother，andprobablyavolumeofthesameromance。
　　Ononeofthepallets，Mariuscaughtaglimpseofasortoftallpaleyounggirl，whosattherehalfnakedandwithpendantfeet，andwhodidnotseemtobelisteningorseeingorliving。
　　Nodoubttheyoungersisteroftheonewhohadcometohisroom。
　　Sheseemedtobeelevenortwelveyearsofage。Oncloserscrutinyitwasevidentthatshereallywasfourteen。Shewasthechildwhohadsaid，ontheboulevardtheeveningbefore:
　　"Ibolted，bolted，bolted！"
　　Shewasofthatpunysortwhichremainsbackwardforalongtime，thensuddenlystartsuprapidly。Itisindigencewhichproducesthesemelancholyhumanplants。Thesecreatureshaveneitherchildhoodnoryouth。Atfifteenyearsofagetheyappeartobetwelve，atsixteentheyseemtwenty。To—dayalittlegirl，to—morrowawoman。
　　Onemightsaythattheystridethroughlife，inordertogetthroughwithitthemorespeedily。
　　Atthismoment，thisbeinghadtheairofachild。
　　Moreover，notraceofworkwasrevealedinthatdwelling；
　　nohandicraft，nospinning—wheel，notatool。Inonecornerlaysomeironmongeryofdubiousaspect。Itwasthedulllistlessnesswhichfollowsdespairandprecedesthedeathagony。
　　Mariusgazedforawhileatthisgloomyinterior，moreterrifyingthantheinteriorofatomb，forthehumansoulcouldbefeltflutteringthere，andlifewaspalpitatingthere。Thegarret，thecellar，thelowlyditchwherecertainindigentwretchescrawlattheverybottomofthesocialedifice，isnotexactlythesepulchre，butonlyitsantechamber；but，asthewealthydisplaytheirgreatestmagnificenceattheentranceoftheirpalaces，itseemsthatdeath，whichstandsdirectlysidebysidewiththem，placesitsgreatestmiseriesinthatvestibule。
　　Themanheldhispeace，thewomanspokenoword，theyounggirldidnotevenseemtobreathe。Thescratchingofthepenonthepaperwasaudible。
　　Themangrumbled，withoutpausinginhiswriting。"Canaille！canaille！
　　everybodyiscanaille！"
　　ThisvariationtoSolomon’sexclamationelicitedasighfromthewoman。
　　"Calmyourself，mylittlefriend，"shesaid。"Don’thurtyourself，mydear。Youaretoogoodtowritetoallthosepeople，husband。"
　　Bodiespressclosetoeachotherinmisery，asincold，butheartsdrawapart。Thiswomanmusthavelovedthisman，toallappearance，judgingfromtheamountoflovewithinher；butprobably，inthedailyandreciprocalreproachesofthehorribledistresswhichweighedonthewholegroup，thishadbecomeextinct。Therenolongerexistedinheranythingmorethantheashesofaffectionforherhusband。Nevertheless，caressingappellationshadsurvived，asisoftenthecase。Shecalledhim:Mydear，mylittlefriend，mygoodman，etc。，withhermouthwhileherheartwassilent。
　　Themanresumedhiswriting。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　STRATEGYANDTACTICS
　　Marius，withaloaduponhisbreast，wasonthepointofdescendingfromthespeciesofobservatorywhichhehadimprovised，whenasoundattractedhisattentionandcausedhimtoremainathispost。
　　Thedooroftheattichadjustburstopenabruptly。Theeldestgirlmadeherappearanceonthethreshold。Onherfeet，shehadlarge，coarse，men’sshoes，bespatteredwithmud，whichhadsplashedeventoherredankles，andshewaswrappedinanoldmantlewhichhungintatters。Mariushadnotseenitonheranhourpreviously，butshehadprobablydepositeditathisdoor，inorderthatshemightinspirethemorepity，andhadpickeditupagainonemerging。
　　Sheentered，pushedthedoortobehindher，pausedtotakebreath，forshewascompletelybreathless，thenexclaimedwithanexpressionoftriumphandjoy:——
　　"Heiscoming！"
　　Thefatherturnedhiseyestowardsher，thewomanturnedherhead，thelittlesisterdidnotstir。
　　"Who？"demandedherfather。
　　"Thegentleman！"
　　"Thephilanthropist？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"FromthechurchofSaint—Jacques？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Thatoldfellow？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Andheiscoming？"
　　"Heisfollowingme。"
　　"Youaresure？"
　　"Iamsure。"
　　"There，truly，heiscoming？"
　　"Heiscominginafiacre。"
　　"Inafiacre。HeisRothschild。"
　　Thefatherrose。
　　"Howareyousure？Ifheiscominginafiacre，howisitthatyouarrivebeforehim？Yougavehimouraddressatleast？Didyoutellhimthatitwasthelastdoorattheendofthecorridor，ontheright？
　　Ifheonlydoesnotmakeamistake！Soyoufoundhimatthechurch？
　　Didhereadmyletter？Whatdidhesaytoyou？"
　　"Ta，ta，ta，"saidthegirl，"howyoudogallopon，mygoodman！
　　Seehere:Ienteredthechurch，hewasinhisusualplace，Imadehimareverence，andIhandedhimtheletter；hereaditandsaidtome:
　　`Wheredoyoulive，mychild？’Isaid:`Monsieur，Iwillshowyou。’
　　Hesaidtome:`No，givemeyouraddress，mydaughterhassomepurchasestomake，Iwilltakeacarriageandreachyourhouseatthesametimethatyoudo。’Igavehimtheaddress。WhenImentionedthehouse，heseemedsurprisedandhesitatedforaninstant，thenhesaid:
　　`Nevermind，Iwillcome。’Whenthemasswasfinished，Iwatchedhimleavethechurchwithhisdaughter，andIsawthementeracarriage。Icertainlydidtellhimthelastdoorinthecorridor，ontheright。"
　　"Andwhatmakesyouthinkthathewillcome？"
　　"IhavejustseenthefiacreturnintotheRuePetit—Banquier。Thatiswhatmademerunso。"
　　"Howdoyouknowthatitwasthesamefiacre？"
　　"BecauseItooknoticeofthenumber，sothere！"
　　"Whatwasthenumber？"
　　"440。"
　　"Good，youareaclevergirl。"
　　Thegirlstaredboldlyatherfather，andshowingtheshoeswhichshehadonherfeet:——
　　"Aclevergirl，possibly；butItellyouIwon’tputtheseshoesonagain，andthatIwon’t，forthesakeofmyhealth，inthefirstplace，andforthesakeofcleanliness，inthenext。
　　Idon’tknowanythingmoreirritatingthanshoesthatsquelch，andgoghi，ghi，ghi，thewholetime。Iprefertogobarefoot。"
　　"Youareright，"saidherfather，inasweettonewhichcontrastedwiththeyounggirl’srudeness，"butthen，youwillnotbeallowedtoenterchurches，forpoorpeoplemusthaveshoestodothat。
　　OnecannotgobarefoottothegoodGod，"headdedbitterly。
　　Then，returningtothesubjectwhichabsorbedhim:——
　　"Soyouaresurethathewillcome？"
　　"Heisfollowingonmyheels，"saidshe。
　　Themanstartedup。Asortofilluminationappearedonhiscountenance。
　　"Wife！"heexclaimed，"youhear。Hereisthephilanthropist。
　　Extinguishthefire。"
　　Thestupefiedmotherdidnotstir。
　　Thefather，withtheagilityofanacrobat，seizedabroken—nosedjugwhichstoodonthechimney，andflungthewateronthebrands。
　　Then，addressinghiseldestdaughter:——
　　"Hereyou！Pullthestrawoffthatchair！"
　　Hisdaughterdidnotunderstand。
　　Heseizedthechair，andwithonekickherendereditseatless。
　　Hislegpassedthroughit。
　　Ashewithdrewhisleg，heaskedhisdaughter:——
　　"Isitcold？"
　　"Verycold。Itissnowing。"
　　Thefatherturnedtowardstheyoungergirlwhosatonthebednearthewindow，andshoutedtoherinathunderingvoice:——
　　"Quick！getoffthatbed，youlazything！willyouneverdoanything？
　　Breakapaneofglass！"
　　Thelittlegirljumpedoffthebedwithashiver。
　　"Breakapane！"herepeated。
　　Thechildstoodstillinbewilderment。
　　"Doyouhearme？"repeatedherfather，"Itellyoutobreakapane！"
　　Thechild，withasortofterrifiedobedience，roseontiptoe，andstruckapanewithherfist。Theglassbrokeandfellwithaloudclatter。
　　"Good，"saidthefather。
　　Hewasgraveandabrupt。Hisglancesweptrapidlyoverallthecranniesofthegarret。Onewouldhavesaidthathewasageneralmakingthefinalpreparationatthemomentwhenthebattleisonthepointofbeginning。
　　Themother，whohadnotsaidawordsofar，nowroseanddemandedinadull，slow，languidvoice，whenceherwordsseemedtoemergeinacongealedstate:——
　　"Whatdoyoumeantodo，mydear？"
　　"Getintobed，"repliedtheman。
　　Hisintonationadmittedofnodeliberation。Themotherobeyed，andthrewherselfheavilyononeofthepallets。
　　Inthemeantime，asobbecameaudibleinonecorner。
　　"What’sthat？"criedthefather。
　　Theyoungerdaughterexhibitedherbleedingfist，withoutquittingthecornerinwhichshewascowering。Shehadwoundedherselfwhilebreakingthewindow；shewentoff，nearhermother’spalletandweptsilently。
　　Itwasnowthemother’sturntostartupandexclaim:——
　　"Justseethere！Whatfolliesyoucommit！Shehascutherselfbreakingthatpaneforyou！"
　　"Somuchthebetter！"saidtheman。"Iforesawthat。"
　　"What？Somuchthebetter？"retortedhiswife。
　　"Peace！"repliedthefather，"Isuppressthelibertyofthepress。"
　　Thentearingthewoman’schemisewhichhewaswearing，hemadeastripofclothwithwhichhehastilyswathedthelittlegirl’sbleedingwrist。
　　Thatdone，hiseyefellwithasatisfiedexpressiononhistornchemise。
　　"Andthechemisetoo，"saidhe，"thishasagoodappearance。"
　　Anicybreezewhistledthroughthewindowandenteredtheroom。
　　Theoutermistpenetratedthitheranddiffuseditselflikeawhitishsheetofwaddingvaguelyspreadbyinvisiblefingers。Throughthebrokenpanethesnowcouldbeseenfalling。ThesnowpromisedbytheCandlemassunoftheprecedingdayhadactuallycome。
　　Thefathercastaglanceabouthimasthoughtomakesurethathehadforgottennothing。Heseizedanoldshovelandspreadashesoverthewetbrandsinsuchamannerastoentirelyconcealthem。
　　Thendrawinghimselfupandleaningagainstthechimney—piece:——
　　"Now，"saidhe，"wecanreceivethephilanthropist。"
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　THERAYOFLIGHTINTHEHOVEL
　　Thebiggirlapproachedandlaidherhandinherfather’s。
　　"FeelhowcoldIam，"saidshe。
　　"Bah！"repliedthefather，"Iammuchcolderthanthat。"
　　Themotherexclaimedimpetuously:——
　　"Youalwayshavesomethingbetterthananyoneelse，soyoudo！
　　evenbadthings。"
　　"Downwithyou！"saidtheman。
　　Themother，beingeyedafteracertainfashion，heldhertongue。
　　Silencereignedforamomentinthehovel。Theeldergirlwasremovingthemudfromthebottomofhermantle，withacarelessair；
　　heryoungersistercontinuedtosob；themotherhadtakenthelatter’sheadbetweenherhands，andwascoveringitwithkisses，whisperingtoherthewhile:——
　　"Mytreasure，Ientreatyou，itisnothingofconsequence，don’tcry，youwillangeryourfather。"
　　"No！"exclaimedthefather，"quitethecontrary！sob！sob！that’sright。"
　　Thenturningtotheelder:——
　　"Therenow！Heisnotcoming！Whatifhewerenottocome！
　　Ishallhaveextinguishedmyfire，wreckedmychair，tornmyshirt，andbrokenmypaneallfornothing。"
　　"Andwoundedthechild！"murmuredthemother。
　　"Doyouknow，"wentonthefather，"thatit’sbeastlycoldinthisdevil’sgarret！Whatifthatmanshouldnotcome！Oh！Seethere，you！Hemakesuswait！Hesaystohimself:`Well！theywillwaitforme！That’swhatthey’retherefor。’Oh！howIhatethem，andwithwhatjoy，jubilation，enthusiasm，andsatisfactionI
　　couldstrangleallthoserichfolks！allthoserichfolks！
　　Thesemenwhopretendtobecharitable，whoputonairs，whogotomass，whomakepresentstothepriesthood，preachy，preachy，intheirskullcaps，andwhothinkthemselvesaboveus，andwhocomeforthepurposeofhumiliatingus，andtobringus`clothes，’
　　astheysay！olddudsthatarenotworthfoursous！Andbread！
　　That’snotwhatIwant，packofrascalsthattheyare，it’smoney！
　　Ah！money！Never！Becausetheysaythatwewouldgooffanddrinkitup，andthatwearedrunkardsandidlers！Andthey！
　　Whatarethey，then，andwhathavetheybeenintheirtime！Thieves！
　　Theynevercouldhavebecomerichotherwise！Oh！Societyoughttobegraspedbythefourcornersoftheclothandtossedintotheair，allofit！Itwouldallbesmashed，verylikely，butatleast，noonewouldhaveanything，andtherewouldbethatmuchgained！
　　Butwhatisthatblockheadofabenevolentgentlemandoing？
　　Willhecome？Perhapstheanimalhasforgottentheaddress！
　　I’llbetthatthatoldbeast——"
　　Atthatmomenttherecamealighttapatthedoor，themanrushedtoitandopenedit，exclaiming，amidprofoundbowsandsmilesofadoration:——
　　"Enter，sir！Deigntoenter，mostrespectedbenefactor，andyourcharmingyounglady，also。"
　　Amanofripeageandayounggirlmadetheirappearanceonthethresholdoftheattic。
　　Mariushadnotquittedhispost。Hisfeelingsforthemomentsurpassedthepowersofthehumantongue。
　　ItwasShe！
　　Whoeverhaslovedknowsalltheradiantmeaningscontainedinthosethreelettersofthatword:She。
　　Itwascertainlyshe。Mariuscouldhardlydistinguishherthroughtheluminousvaporwhichhadsuddenlyspreadbeforehiseyes。
　　Itwasthatsweet，absentbeing，thatstarwhichhadbeameduponhimforsixmonths；itwasthoseeyes，thatbrow，thatmouth，thatlovelyvanishedfacewhichhadcreatednightbyitsdeparture。
　　Thevisionhadbeeneclipsed，nowitreappeared。
　　Itreappearedinthatgloom，inthatgarret，inthatmisshapenattic，inallthathorror。
　　Mariusshudderedindismay。What！Itwasshe！Thepalpitationsofhishearttroubledhissight。Hefeltthathewasonthebrinkofburstingintotears！What！Hebeheldheragainatlast，afterhavingsoughthersolong！Itseemedtohimthathehadlosthissoul，andthathehadjustfounditagain。
　　Shewasthesameasever，onlyalittlepale；herdelicatefacewasframedinabonnetofvioletvelvet，herfigurewasconcealedbeneathapelisseofblacksatin。Beneathherlongdress，aglimpsecouldbecaughtofhertinyfootshodinasilkenboot。
　　ShewasstillaccompaniedbyM。Leblanc。
　　Shehadtakenafewstepsintotheroom，andhaddepositedatolerablybulkyparcelonthetable。
　　TheeldestJondrettegirlhadretiredbehindthedoor，andwasstaringwithsombreeyesatthatvelvetbonnet，thatsilkmantle，andthatcharming，happyface。
　　CHAPTERIX
　　JONDRETTECOMESNEARWEEPING
　　Thehovelwassodark，thatpeoplecomingfromwithoutfeltonenteringittheeffectproducedonenteringacellar。
　　Thetwonew—comersadvanced，therefore，withacertainhesitation，beinghardlyabletodistinguishthevagueformssurroundingthem，whiletheycouldbeclearlyseenandscrutinizedbytheeyesoftheinhabitantsofthegarret，whowereaccustomedtothistwilight。
　　M。Leblancapproached，withhissadbutkindlylook，andsaidtoJondrettethefather:——
　　"Monsieur，inthispackageyouwillfindsomenewclothesandsomewoollenstockingsandblankets。"
　　"Ourangelicbenefactoroverwhelmsus，"saidJondrette，bowingtotheveryearth。
　　Then，bendingdowntotheearofhiseldestdaughter，whilethetwovisitorswereengagedinexaminingthislamentableinterior，headdedinalowandrapidvoice:——
　　"Hey？WhatdidIsay？Duds！Nomoney！Theyareallalike！
　　Bytheway，howwasthelettertothatoldblockheadsigned？"
　　"Fabantou，"repliedthegirl。
　　"Thedramaticartist，good！"
　　ItwasluckyforJondrette，thatthishadoccurredtohim，forattheverymoment，M。Leblancturnedtohim，andsaidtohimwiththeairofapersonwhoisseekingtorecallaname:——
　　"Iseethatyouaregreatlytobepitied，Monsieur——"
　　"Fabantou，"repliedJondrettequickly。
　　"MonsieurFabantou，yes，thatisit。Iremember。"
　　"Dramaticartist，sir，andonewhohashadsomesuccess。"
　　HereJondretteevidentlyjudgedthemomentpropitiousforcapturingthe"philanthropist。"Heexclaimedwithanaccentwhichsmackedatthesametimeofthevaingloryofthemountebankatfairs，andthehumilityofthemendicantonthehighway:——
　　"ApupilofTalma！Sir！IamapupilofTalma！Fortuneformerlysmiledonme——Alas！Nowitismisfortune’sturn。Yousee，mybenefactor，nobread，nofire。Mypoorbabeshavenofire！
　　Myonlychairhasnoseat！Abrokenpane！Andinsuchweather！
　　Myspouseinbed！Ill！"
　　"Poorwoman！"saidM。Leblanc。
　　"Mychildwounded！"addedJondrette。
　　Thechild，divertedbythearrivalofthestrangers，hadfallentocontemplating"theyounglady，"andhadceasedtosob。
　　"Cry！bawl！"saidJondrettetoherinalowvoice。
　　Atthesametimehepinchedhersorehand。Allthiswasdonewiththetalentofajuggler。
　　Thelittlegirlgaveventtoloudshrieks。
　　Theadorableyounggirl，whomMarius，inhisheart，called"hisUrsule，"
　　approachedherhastily。
　　"Poor，dearchild！"saidshe。
　　"Yousee，mybeautifulyounglady，"pursuedJondrette"herbleedingwrist！Itcamethroughanaccidentwhileworkingatamachinetoearnsixsousaday。Itmaybenecessarytocutoffherarm。"
　　"Really？"saidtheoldgentleman，inalarm。
　　Thelittlegirl，takingthisseriously，felltosobbingmoreviolentlythanever。
　　"Alas！yes，mybenefactor！"repliedthefather。
　　Forseveralminutes，Jondrettehadbeenscrutinizing"thebenefactor"
　　inasingularfashion。Ashespoke，heseemedtobeexaminingtheotherattentively，asthoughseekingtosummonuphisrecollections。
　　Allatonce，profitingbyamomentwhenthenew—comerswerequestioningthechildwithinterestastoherinjuredhand，hepassednearhiswife，wholayinherbedwithastupidanddejectedair，andsaidtoherinarapidbutverylowtone:——
　　"Takealookatthatman！"
　　Then，turningtoM。Leblanc，andcontinuinghislamentations:——
　　"Yousee，sir！AlltheclothingthatIhaveismywife’schemise！
　　Andalltornatthat！Inthedepthsofwinter！Ican’tgooutforlackofacoat。IfIhadacoatofanysort，IwouldgoandseeMademoiselleMars，whoknowsmeandisveryfondofme。DoesshenotstillresideintheRuedelaTour—des—Dames？Doyouknow，sir？
　　Weplayedtogetherintheprovinces。Isharedherlaurels。
　　Celimenewouldcometomysuccor，sir！ElmirewouldbestowalmsonBelisaire！Butno，nothing！Andnotasouinthehouse！
　　Mywifeill，andnotasou！Mydaughterdangerouslyinjured，notasou！Mywifesuffersfromfitsofsuffocation。Itcomesfromherage，andbesides，hernervoussystemisaffected。
　　Sheoughttohaveassistance，andmydaughteralso！Butthedoctor！
　　Buttheapothecary！HowamItopaythem？Iwouldkneeltoapenny，sir！Suchistheconditiontowhichtheartsarereduced。
　　Anddoyouknow，mycharmingyounglady，andyou，mygenerousprotector，doyouknow，youwhobreatheforthvirtueandgoodness，andwhoperfumethatchurchwheremydaughterseesyoueverydaywhenshesaysherprayers？——ForIhavebroughtupmychildrenreligiously，sir。
　　Ididnotwantthemtotaketothetheatre。Ah！thehussies！
　　IfIcatchthemtripping！Idonotjest，thatIdon’t！Ireadthemlessonsonhonor，onmorality，onvirtue！Askthem！Theyhavegottowalkstraight。Theyarenoneofyourunhappywretcheswhobeginbyhavingnofamily，andendbyespousingthepublic。
　　OneisMamselleNobody，andonebecomesMadameEverybody。
　　Deucetakeit！NoneofthatintheFabantoufamily！Imeantobringthemupvirtuously，andtheyshallbehonest，andnice，andbelieveinGod，bythesacredname！Well，sir，myworthysir，doyouknowwhatisgoingtohappento—morrow？To—morrowisthefourthdayofFebruary，thefatalday，thelastdayofgraceallowedmebymylandlord；ifbythiseveningIhavenotpaidmyrent，to—morrowmyoldestdaughter，myspousewithherfever，mychildwithherwound，——
　　weshallallfourbeturnedoutofhereandthrownintothestreet，ontheboulevard，withoutshelter，intherain，inthesnow。
　　There，sir。Ioweforfourquarters——awholeyear！thatistosay，sixtyfrancs。"
　　Jondrettelied。Fourquarterswouldhaveamountedtoonlyfortyfrancs，andhecouldnotowefour，becausesixmonthshadnotelapsedsinceMariushadpaidfortwo。
　　M。Leblancdrewfivefrancsfromhispocketandthrewthemonthetable。
　　Jondrettefoundtimetomutterintheearofhiseldestdaughter:——
　　"Thescoundrel！WhatdoeshethinkIcandowithhisfivefrancs？
　　Thatwon’tpaymeformychairandpaneofglass！That’swhatcomesofincurringexpenses！"
　　Inthemeanwhile，M。Leblanchadremovedthelargebrowngreat—coatwhichheworeoverhisbluecoat，andhadthrownitoverthebackofthechair。
　　"MonsieurFabantou，"hesaid，"thesefivefrancsareallthatIhaveaboutme，butIshallnowtakemydaughterhome，andIwillreturnthisevening，——itisthiseveningthatyoumustpay，isitnot？"
　　Jondrette’sfacelightedupwithastrangeexpression。
　　Herepliedvivaciously:——
　　"Yes，respectedsir。Ateighto’clock，Imustbeatmylandlord’s。"
　　"Iwillbehereatsix，andIwillfetchyouthesixtyfrancs。"
　　"Mybenefactor！"exclaimedJondrette，overwhelmed。Andheadded，inalowtone:"Takeagoodlookathim，wife！"
　　M。Leblanchadtakenthearmoftheyounggirl，oncemore，andhadturnedtowardsthedoor。
　　"Farewelluntilthisevening，myfriends！"saidhe。
　　"Sixo’clock？"saidJondrette。
　　"Sixo’clockprecisely。"
　　Atthatmoment，theovercoatlyingonthechaircaughttheeyeoftheelderJondrettegirl。
　　"Youareforgettingyourcoat，sir，"saidshe。
　　Jondrettedartedanannihilatinglookathisdaughter，accompaniedbyaformidableshrugoftheshoulders。
　　M。Leblancturnedbackandsaid，withasmile:——
　　"Ihavenotforgottenit，Iamleavingit。"
　　"Omyprotector！"saidJondrette，"myaugustbenefactor，Imeltintotears！Permitmetoaccompanyyoutoyourcarriage。"
　　"Ifyoucomeout，"answeredM。Leblanc，"putonthiscoat。
　　Itreallyisverycold。"
　　Jondrettedidnotneedtobetoldtwice。Hehastilydonnedthebrowngreat—coat。Andallthreewentout，Jondretteprecedingthetwostrangers。
　　CHAPTERX
　　TARIFFOFLICENSEDCABS:TWOFRANCSANHOUR
　　Mariushadlostnothingofthisentirescene，andyet，inreality，hadseennothing。Hiseyeshadremainedfixedontheyounggirl，hishearthad，sotospeak，seizedherandwhollyenvelopedherfromthemomentofherveryfirststepinthatgarret。Duringherentirestaythere，hehadlivedthatlifeofecstasywhichsuspendsmaterialperceptionsandprecipitatesthewholesoulonasinglepoint。
　　Hecontemplated，notthatgirl，butthatlightwhichworeasatinpelisseandavelvetbonnet。ThestarSiriusmighthaveenteredtheroom，andhewouldnothavebeenanymoredazzled。
　　Whiletheyounggirlwasengagedinopeningthepackage，unfoldingtheclothingandtheblankets，questioningthesickmotherkindly，andthelittleinjuredgirltenderly，hewatchedhereverymovement，hesoughttocatchherwords。Heknewhereyes，herbrow，herbeauty，herform，herwalk，hedidnotknowthesoundofhervoice。
　　HehadoncefanciedthathehadcaughtafewwordsattheLuxembourg，buthewasnotabsolutelysureofthefact。Hewouldhavegiventenyearsofhislifetohearit，inorderthathemightbearawayinhissoulalittleofthatmusic。ButeverythingwasdrownedinthelamentableexclamationsandtrumpetburstsofJondrette。
　　ThisaddedatouchofgenuinewrathtoMarius’ecstasy。Hedevouredherwithhiseyes。Hecouldnotbelievethatitreallywasthatdivinecreaturewhomhesawinthemidstofthosevilecreaturesinthatmonstrouslair。Itseemedtohimthathebeheldahumming—birdinthemidstoftoads。
　　Whenshetookherdeparture，hehadbutonethought，tofollowher，toclingtohertrace，nottoquitheruntilhelearnedwhereshelived，nottoloseheragain，atleast，afterhavingsomiraculouslyre—discoveredher。Heleapeddownfromthecommodeandseizedhishat。Ashelaidhishandonthelockofthedoor，andwasonthepointofopeningit，asuddenreflectioncausedhimtopause。
　　Thecorridorwaslong，thestaircasesteep，Jondrettewastalkative，M。Leblanchad，nodoubt，notyetregainedhiscarriage；if，onturningroundinthecorridor，oronthestaircase，heweretocatchsightofhim，Marius，inthathouse，hewould，evidently，takethealarm，andfindmeanstoescapefromhimagain，andthistimeitwouldbefinal。Whatwashetodo？Shouldhewaitalittle？Butwhilehewaswaiting，thecarriagemightdriveoff。Mariuswasperplexed。
　　Atlastheacceptedtheriskandquittedhisroom。
　　Therewasnooneinthecorridor。Hehastenedtothestairs。
　　Therewasnooneonthestaircase。Hedescendedinallhaste，andreachedtheboulevardintimetoseeafiacreturningthecorneroftheRueduPetit—Banquier，onitswaybacktoParis。
　　Mariusrushedheadlonginthatdirection。Onarrivingattheangleoftheboulevard，hecaughtsightofthefiacreagain，rapidlydescendingtheRueMouffetard；thecarriagewasalreadyalongwayoff，andtherewasnomeansofovertakingit；what！runafterit？
　　Impossible；andbesides，thepeopleinthecarriagewouldassuredlynoticeanindividualrunningatfullspeedinpursuitofafiacre，andthefatherwouldrecognizehim。Atthatmoment，wonderfulandunprecedentedgoodluck，Mariusperceivedanemptycabpassingalongtheboulevard。Therewasbutonethingtobedone，tojumpintothiscabandfollowthefiacre。Thatwassure，efficacious，andfreefromdanger。
　　Mariusmadethedriverasigntohalt，andcalledtohim:——
　　"Bythehour？"
　　Mariusworenocravat，hehadonhisworking—coat，whichwasdestituteofbuttons，hisshirtwastornalongoneoftheplaitsonthebosom。
　　Thedriverhalted，winked，andheldouthislefthandtoMarius，rubbinghisforefingergentlywithhisthumb。
　　"Whatisit？"saidMarius。
　　"Payinadvance，"saidthecoachman。
　　Mariusrecollectedthathehadbutsixteensousabouthim。
　　"Howmuch？"hedemanded。
　　"Fortysous。"
　　"Iwillpayonmyreturn。"
　　Thedriver’sonlyreplywastowhistletheairofLaPalisseandtowhipuphishorse。
　　Mariusstaredattheretreatingcabrioletwithabewilderedair。
　　Forthelackoffourandtwentysous，hewaslosinghisjoy，hishappiness，hislove！Hehadseen，andhewasbecomingblindagain。Hereflectedbitterly，anditmustbeconfessed，withprofoundregret，onthefivefrancswhichhehadbestowed，thatverymorning，onthatmiserablegirl。Ifhehadhadthosefivefrancs，hewouldhavebeensaved，hewouldhavebeenbornagain，hewouldhaveemergedfromthelimboanddarkness，hewouldhavemadehisescapefromisolationandspleen，fromhiswidowedstate；
　　hemighthavere—knottedtheblackthreadofhisdestinytothatbeautifulgoldenthread，whichhadjustfloatedbeforehiseyesandhadbrokenatthesameinstant，oncemore！Hereturnedtohishovelindespair。
　　HemighthavetoldhimselfthatM。Leblanchadpromisedtoreturnintheevening，andthatallhehadtodowastosetaboutthemattermoreskilfully，sothathemightfollowhimonthatoccasion；
　　but，inhiscontemplation，itisdoubtfulwhetherhehadheardthis。
　　Ashewasonthepointofmountingthestaircase，heperceived，ontheothersideoftheboulevard，nearthedesertedwallskirtingtheRueDelaBarriere—des—Gobelins，Jondrette，wrappedinthe"philanthropist’s"
　　great—coat，engagedinconversationwithoneofthosemenofdisquietingaspectwhohavebeendubbedbycommonconsent，prowlersofthebarriers；peopleofequivocalface，ofsuspiciousmonologues，whopresenttheairofhavingevilminds，andwhogenerallysleepinthedaytime，whichsuggeststhesuppositionthattheyworkbynight。
　　Thesetwomen，standingtheremotionlessandinconversation，inthesnowwhichwasfallinginwhirlwinds，formedagroupthatapolicemanwouldsurelyhaveobserved，butwhichMariushardlynoticed。
　　Still，inspiteofhismournfulpreoccupation，hecouldnotrefrainfromsayingtohimselfthatthisprowlerofthebarrierswithwhomJondrettewastalkingresembledacertainPanchaud，aliasPrintanier，aliasBigrenaille，whomCourfeyrachadoncepointedouttohimasaverydangerousnocturnalroamer。
　　Thisman’snamethereaderhaslearnedintheprecedingbook。
　　ThisPanchaud，aliasPrintanier，aliasBigrenaille，figuredlateroninmanycriminaltrials，andbecameanotoriousrascal。
　　Hewasatthattimeonlyafamousrascal。To—dayheexistsinthestateoftraditionamongruffiansandassassins。Hewasattheheadofaschooltowardstheendofthelastreign。Andintheevening，atnightfall，atthehourwhengroupsformandtalkinwhispers，hewasdiscussedatLaForceintheFosse—aux—Lions。Onemighteven，inthatprison，preciselyatthespotwherethesewerwhichservedtheunprecedentedescape，inbroaddaylight，ofthirtyprisoners，in1843，passesundertheculvert，readhisname，PANCHAUD，audaciouslycarvedbyhisownhandonthewallofthesewer，duringoneofhisattemptsatflight。In1832，thepolicealreadyhadtheireyeonhim，buthehadnotasyetmadeaseriousbeginning。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　OFFERSOFSERVICEFROMMISERYTOWRETCHEDNESS
　　Mariusascendedthestairsofthehovelwithslowsteps；atthemomentwhenhewasabouttore—enterhiscell，hecaughtsightoftheelderJondrettegirlfollowinghimthroughthecorridor。Theverysightofthisgirlwasodioustohim；itwasshewhohadhisfivefrancs，itwastoolatetodemandthemback，thecabwasnolongerthere，thefiacrewasfaraway。Moreover，shewouldnothavegiventhemback。
　　Asforquestioningherabouttheresidenceofthepersonswhohadjustbeenthere，thatwasuseless；itwasevidentthatshedidnotknow，sincethelettersignedFabantouhadbeenaddressed"tothebenevolentgentlemanofthechurchofSaint—Jacquesdu—Haut—Pas。"
　　Mariusenteredhisroomandpushedthedoortoafterhim。
　　Itdidnotclose；heturnedroundandbeheldahandwhichheldthedoorhalfopen。
　　"Whatisit？"heasked，"whoisthere？"
　　ItwastheJondrettegirl。
　　"Isityou？"resumedMariusalmostharshly，"stillyou！Whatdoyouwantwithme？"
　　Sheappearedtobethoughtfulanddidnotlookathim。Shenolongerhadtheairofassurancewhichhadcharacterizedherthatmorning。
　　Shedidnotenter，butheldbackinthedarknessofthecorridor，whereMariuscouldseeherthroughthehalf—opendoor。
　　"Comenow，willyouanswer？"criedMarius。"Whatdoyouwantwithme？"
　　Sheraisedherdulleyes，inwhichasortofgleamseemedtoflickervaguely，andsaid:——
　　"MonsieurMarius，youlooksad。Whatisthematterwithyou？"
　　"Withme！"saidMarius。
　　"Yes，you。"
　　"Thereisnothingthematterwithme。"
　　"Yes，thereis！"
　　"No。"
　　"Itellyouthereis！"
　　"Letmealone！"
　　Mariusgavethedooranotherpush，butsheretainedherholdonit。
　　"Stop，"saidshe，"youareinthewrong。Althoughyouarenotrich，youwerekindthismorning。Besoagainnow。
　　Yougavemesomethingtoeat，nowtellmewhatailsyou。
　　Youaregrieved，thatisplain。Idonotwantyoutobegrieved。
　　Whatcanbedoneforit？CanIbeofanyservice？Employme。
　　Idonotaskforyoursecrets，youneednottellthemtome，butImaybeofuse，nevertheless。Imaybeabletohelpyou，sinceIhelpmyfather。Whenitisnecessarytocarryletters，togotohouses，toinquirefromdoortodoor，tofindoutanaddress，tofollowanyone，Iamofservice。Well，youmayassuredlytellmewhatisthematterwithyou，andIwillgoandspeaktothepersons；
　　sometimesitisenoughifsomeonespeakstothepersons，thatsufficestoletthemunderstandmatters，andeverythingcomesright。
　　Makeuseofme。"
　　AnideaflashedacrossMarius’mind。Whatbranchdoesonedisdainwhenonefeelsthatoneisfalling？
　　HedrewneartotheJondrettegirl。
　　"Listen——"hesaidtoher。
　　Sheinterruptedhimwithagleamofjoyinhereyes。
　　"Ohyes，docallmethou！Ilikethatbetter。"
　　"Well，"heresumed，"thouhastbroughthitherthatoldgentlemanandhisdaughter！"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Dostthouknowtheiraddress？"
　　"No。"
　　"Finditforme。"
　　TheJondrette’sdulleyeshadgrownjoyous，andtheynowbecamegloomy。
　　"Isthatwhatyouwant？"shedemanded。
　　"Yes。"
　　"Doyouknowthem？"
　　"No。"
　　"Thatistosay，"sheresumedquickly，"youdonotknowher，butyouwishtoknowher。"
　　Thisthemwhichhadturnedintoherhadsomethingindescribablysignificantandbitteraboutit。
　　"Well，canyoudoit？"saidMarius。
　　"Youshallhavethebeautifullady’saddress。"
　　Therewasstillashadeinthewords"thebeautifullady"
　　whichtroubledMarius。Heresumed:——
　　"Nevermind，afterall，theaddressofthefatheranddaughter。
　　Theiraddress，indeed！"
　　Shegazedfixedlyathim。
　　"Whatwillyougiveme？"
　　"Anythingyoulike。"
　　"AnythingIlike？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Youshallhavetheaddress。"
　　Shedroppedherhead；then，withabrusquemovement，shepulledtothedoor，whichclosedbehindher。
　　Mariusfoundhimselfalone。
　　Hedroppedintoachair，withhisheadandbothelbowsonhisbed，absorbedinthoughtswhichhecouldnotgrasp，andasthoughapreytovertigo。Allthathadtakenplacesincethemorning，theappearanceoftheangel，herdisappearance，whatthatcreaturehadjustsaidtohim，agleamofhopefloatinginanimmensedespair，——
　　thiswaswhatfilledhisbrainconfusedly。
　　Allatoncehewasviolentlyarousedfromhisrevery。
　　Heheardtheshrill，hardvoiceofJondretteutterthesewords，whichwerefraughtwithastrangeinterestforhim:——
　　"ItellyouthatIamsureofit，andthatIrecognizedhim。"
　　OfwhomwasJondrettespeaking？Whomhadherecognized？M。Leblanc？
　　Thefatherof"hisUrsule"？What！DidJondretteknowhim？
　　WasMariusabouttoobtaininthisabruptandunexpectedfashionalltheinformationwithoutwhichhislifewassodarktohim？
　　Washeabouttolearnatlastwhoitwasthatheloved，whothatyounggirlwas？Whoherfatherwas？Wasthedenseshadowwhichenwrappedthemonthepointofbeingdispelled？Wastheveilabouttoberent？Ah！Heavens！
　　Heboundedratherthanclimbeduponhiscommode，andresumedhispostnearthelittlepeep—holeinthepartitionwall。
　　AgainhebeheldtheinteriorofJondrette’shovel。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　THEUSEMADEOFM。LEBLANC’SFIVE—FRANCPIECE
　　Nothingintheaspectofthefamilywasaltered，exceptthatthewifeanddaughtershadleviedonthepackageandputonwoollenstockingsandjackets。Twonewblanketswerethrownacrossthetwobeds。
　　Jondrettehadevidentlyjustreturned。Hestillhadthebreathlessnessofoutofdoors。Hisdaughterswereseatedonthefloornearthefireplace，theelderengagedindressingtheyounger’swoundedhand。Hiswifehadsunkbackonthebednearthefireplace，withafaceindicativeofastonishment。Jondrettewaspacingupanddownthegarretwithlongstrides。Hiseyeswereextraordinary。
　　Thewoman，whoseemedtimidandoverwhelmedwithstuporinthepresenceofherhusband，turnedtosay:——
　　"What，really？Youaresure？"
　　"Sure！Eightyearshavepassed！ButIrecognizehim！Ah！Irecognizehim。Iknewhimatonce！What！Didn’titforceitselfonyou？"
　　"No。"
　　"ButItoldyou:`Payattention！’Why，itishisfigure，itishisface，onlyolder，——therearepeoplewhodonotgrowold，Idon’tknowhowtheymanageit，——itistheverysoundofhisvoice。
　　Heisbetterdressed，thatisall！Ah！youmysteriousolddevil，I’vegotyou，thatIhave！"
　　Hepaused，andsaidtohisdaughters:——
　　"Getoutofhere，you！——It’squeerthatitdidn’tstrikeyou！"
　　Theyarosetoobey。
　　Themotherstammered:——
　　"Withherinjuredhand。"
　　"Theairwilldoitgood，"saidJondrette。"Beoff。"
　　Itwasplainthatthismanwasofthesorttowhomnooneofferstoreply。Thetwogirlsdeparted。
　　Atthemomentwhentheywereabouttopassthroughthedoor，thefatherdetainedtheelderbythearm，andsaidtoherwithapeculiaraccent:——
　　"Youwillbehereatfiveo’clockprecisely。Bothofyou。
　　Ishallneedyou。"
　　Mariusredoubledhisattention。
　　Onbeingleftalonewithhiswife，Jondrettebegantopacetheroomagain，andmadethetourofittwoorthreetimesinsilence。
　　Thenhespentseveralminutesintuckingthelowerpartofthewoman’schemisewhichheworeintohistrousers。
　　Allatonce，heturnedtothefemaleJondrette，foldedhisarmsandexclaimed:——
　　"Andwouldyouliketohavemetellyousomething？Theyounglady——"
　　"Well，what？"retortedhiswife，"theyounglady？"
　　Mariuscouldnotdoubtthatitwasreallysheofwhomtheywerespeaking。
　　Helistenedwithardentanxiety。Hiswholelifewasinhisears。
　　ButJondrettehadbentoverandspoketohiswifeinawhisper。
　　Thenhestraightenedhimselfupandconcludedaloud:——
　　"Itisshe！"
　　"Thatone？"saidhiswife。
　　"Thatveryone，"saidthehusband。
　　Noexpressioncanreproducethesignificanceofthemother’swords。
　　Surprise，rage，hate，wrath，weremingledandcombinedinonemonstrousintonation。Thepronunciationofafewwords，thename，nodoubt，whichherhusbandhadwhisperedinherear，hadsufficedtorousethishuge，somnolentwoman，andfrombeingrepulsiveshebecameterrible。
　　"Itisnotpossible！"shecried。"WhenIthinkthatmydaughtersaregoingbarefoot，andhavenotagowntotheirbacks！What！
　　Asatinpelisse，avelvetbonnet，boots，andeverything；morethantwohundredfrancs’worthofclothes！sothatonewouldthinkshewasalady！No，youaremistaken！Why，inthefirstplace，theotherwashideous，andthisoneisnotsobad—looking！
　　Shereallyisnotbad—looking！Itcan’tbeshe！"
　　"Itellyouthatitisshe。Youwillsee。"
　　Atthisabsoluteassertion，theJondrettewomanraisedherlarge，red，blondefaceandstaredattheceilingwithahorribleexpression。
　　Atthatmoment，sheseemedtoMariusevenmoretobefearedthanherhusband。Shewasasowwiththelookofatigress。
　　"What！"sheresumed，"thathorrible，beautifulyounglady，whogazedatmydaughterswithanairofpity，——sheisthatbeggarbrat！Oh！Ishouldliketokickherstomachinforher！"
　　Shesprangoffofthebed，andremainedstandingforamoment，herhairindisorder，hernostrilsdilating，hermouthhalfopen，herfistsclenchedanddrawnback。Thenshefellbackonthebedoncemore。Themanpacedtoandfroandpaidnoattentiontohisfemale。
　　Afterasilencelastingseveralminutes，heapproachedthefemaleJondrette，andhaltedinfrontofher，withfoldedarms，ashehaddoneamomentbefore:——
　　"AndshallItellyouanotherthing？"
　　"Whatisit？"sheasked。
　　Heansweredinalow，curtvoice:——
　　"Myfortuneismade。"
　　Thewomanstaredathimwiththelookthatsignifies:"Isthepersonwhoisaddressingmeonthepointofgoingmad？"
　　Hewenton:——
　　"Thunder！ItwasnotsoverylongagothatIwasaparishioneroftheparishofdie—of—hunger—if—you—have—a—fire，—die—of—cold—if—you—have—bread！
　　Ihavehadenoughofmisery！myshareandotherpeople’sshare！
　　Iamnotjokinganylonger，Idon’tfinditcomicanymore，I’vehadenoughofpuns，goodGod！nomorefarces，EternalFather！
　　IwanttoeattillIamfull，Iwanttodrinkmyfill！togormandize！
　　tosleep！todonothing！Iwanttohavemyturn，soIdo，comenow！beforeIdie！Iwanttobeabitofamillionnaire！"
　　Hetookaturnroundthehovel，andadded:——
　　"Likeotherpeople。"
　　"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？"askedthewoman。
　　Heshookhishead，winked，screweduponeeye，andraisedhisvoicelikeamedicalprofessorwhoisabouttomakeademonstration:——
　　"WhatdoImeanbythat？Listen！"
　　"Hush！"mutteredthewoman，"notsoloud！Thesearematterswhichmustnotbeoverheard。"
　　"Bah！Who’shere？Ourneighbor？Isawhimgooutalittlewhileago。Besides，hedoesn’tlisten，thebigbooby。
　　AndItellyouthatIsawhimgoout。"
　　Nevertheless，byasortofinstinct，Jondretteloweredhisvoice，althoughnotsufficientlytopreventMariushearinghiswords。
　　Onefavorablecircumstance，whichenabledMariusnottoloseawordofthisconversationwasthefallingsnowwhichdeadenedthesoundofvehiclesontheboulevard。
　　ThisiswhatMariusheard:——
　　"Listencarefully。TheCroesusiscaught，orasgoodascaught！
　　That’sallsettledalready。Everythingisarranged。Ihaveseensomepeople。Hewillcomeherethiseveningatsixo’clock。Tobringsixtyfrancs，therascal！DidyounoticehowIplayedthatgameonhim，mysixtyfrancs，mylandlord，myfourthofFebruary？
　　Idon’tevenoweforonequarter！Isn’theafool！Sohewillcomeatsixo’clock！That’sthehourwhenourneighborgoestohisdinner。
　　MotherBougonisoffwashingdishesinthecity。There’snotasoulinthehouse。Theneighbornevercomeshomeuntileleveno’clock。
　　Thechildrenshallstandonwatch。Youshallhelpus。Hewillgivein。"
　　"Andwhatifhedoesnotgivein？"demandedhiswife。
　　Jondrettemadeasinistergesture，andsaid:——
　　"We’llfixhim。"
　　Andheburstoutlaughing。