ThepursefellonFatherMabeuf’sfoot。Thiscommotionrousedhim。
　　Hebentoverandpickedupthepurse。
　　Hedidnotunderstandintheleast，andopenedit。
　　Thepursehadtwocompartments；inoneofthemtherewassomesmallchange；intheotherlaysixnapoleons。
　　M。Mabeuf，ingreatalarm，referredthemattertohishousekeeper。
　　"Thathasfallenfromheaven，"saidMotherPlutarque。
　　BOOKFIFTH。——THEENDOFWHICHDOESNOTRESEMBLETHEBEGINNING
　　CHAPTERI
　　SOLITUDEANDTHEBARRACKSCOMBINED
　　Cosette’sgrief，whichhadbeensopoignantandlivelyfourorfivemonthspreviously，had，withoutherbeingconsciousofthefact，entereduponitsconvalescence。Nature，spring，youth，loveforherfather，thegayetyofthebirdsandflowers，causedsomethingalmostresemblingforgetfulnesstofiltergradually，dropbydrop，intothatsoul，whichwassovirginandsoyoung。Wasthefirewhollyextinctthere？Orwasitmerelythatlayersofasheshadformed？
　　Thetruthis，thatshehardlyfeltthepainfulandburningspotanylonger。
　　OnedayshesuddenlythoughtofMarius:"Why！"saidshe，"Inolongerthinkofhim。"
　　Thatsameweek，shenoticedaveryhandsomeofficeroflancers，withawasp—likewaist，adeliciousuniform，thecheeksofayounggirl，aswordunderhisarm，waxedmustaches，andaglazedschapka，passingthegate。Moreover，hehadlighthair，prominentblueeyes，aroundface，wasvain，insolentandgood—looking；quitethereverseofMarius。Hehadacigarinhismouth。CosettethoughtthatthisofficerdoubtlessbelongedtotheregimentinbarracksintheRuedeBabylone。
　　Onthefollowingday，shesawhimpassagain。Shetooknoteofthehour。
　　Fromthattimeforth，wasitchance？shesawhimpassnearlyeveryday。
　　Theofficer’scomradesperceivedthattherewas，inthat"badlykept"
　　garden，behindthatmaliciousrococofence，averyprettycreature，whowasalmostalwaystherewhenthehandsomelieutenant，——whoisnotunknowntothereader，andwhosenamewasTheoduleGillenormand，——
　　passedby。
　　"Seehere！"theysaidtohim，"there’salittlecreaturetherewhoismakingeyesatyou，look。"
　　"HaveIthetime，"repliedthelancer，"tolookatallthegirlswholookatme？"
　　ThiswasattheprecisemomentwhenMariuswasdescendingheavilytowardsagony，andwassaying:"IfIcouldbutseeherbeforeIdie！"——
　　Hadhiswishbeenrealized，hadhebeheldCosetteatthatmomentgazingatthelancer，hewouldnothavebeenabletoutteraword，andhewouldhaveexpiredwithgrief。
　　Whosefaultwasit？Noone’s。
　　Mariuspossessedoneofthosetemperamentswhichburythemselvesinsorrowandthereabide；Cosettewasoneofthosepersonswhoplungeintosorrowandemergefromitagain。
　　Cosettewas，moreover，passingthroughthatdangerousperiod，thefatalphaseoffemininereveryabandonedtoitself，inwhichtheisolatedheartofayounggirlresemblesthetendrilsofthevinewhichcling，aschancedirects，tothecapitalofamarblecolumnortothepostofawine—shop:Arapidanddecisivemoment，criticalforeveryorphan，besherichorpoor，forwealthdoesnotpreventabadchoice；misalliancesaremadeinveryhighcircles，realmisallianceisthatofsouls；andasmanyanunknownyoungman，withoutname，withoutbirth，withoutfortune，isamarblecolumnwhichbearsupatempleofgrandsentimentsandgrandideas，sosuchandsuchamanoftheworldsatisfiedandopulent，whohaspolishedbootsandvarnishedwords，iflookedatnotoutside，butinside，athingwhichisreservedforhiswife，isnothingmorethanablockobscurelyhauntedbyviolent，unclean，andvinouspassions；
　　thepostofadrinking—shop。
　　WhatdidCosette’ssoulcontain？Passioncalmedorlulledtosleep；
　　somethinglimpid，brilliant，troubledtoacertaindepth，andgloomylowerdown。Theimageofthehandsomeofficerwasreflectedinthesurface。Didasouvenirlingerinthedepths？——
　　Quiteatthebottom？——Possibly。Cosettedidnotknow。
　　Asingularincidentsupervened。
　　CHAPTERII
　　COSETTE’SAPPREHENSIONS
　　DuringthefirstfortnightinApril，JeanValjeantookajourney。
　　This，asthereaderknows，happenedfromtimetotime，atverylongintervals。Heremainedabsentadayortwodaysattheutmost。
　　Wheredidhego？Nooneknew，notevenCosette。Onceonly，ontheoccasionofoneofthesedepartures，shehadaccompaniedhiminahackney—coachasfarasalittleblind—alleyatthecornerofwhichsheread:ImpassedelaPlanchette。Therehealighted，andthecoachtookCosettebacktotheRuedeBabylone。ItwasusuallywhenmoneywaslackinginthehousethatJeanValjeantooktheselittletrips。
　　SoJeanValjeanwasabsent。Hehadsaid:"Ishallreturninthreedays。"
　　Thatevening，Cosettewasaloneinthedrawing—room。Inordertogetridofherennui，shehadopenedherpiano—organ，andhadbeguntosing，accompanyingherselfthewhile，thechorusfromEuryanthe:
　　"Huntersastrayinthewood！"whichisprobablythemostbeautifulthinginallthesphereofmusic。Whenshehadfinished，sheremainedwrappedinthought。
　　Allatonce，itseemedtoherthatsheheardthesoundoffootstepsinthegarden。
　　Itcouldnotbeherfather，hewasabsent；itcouldnotbeToussaint，shewasinbed，anditwasteno’clockatnight。
　　Shesteppedtotheshutterofthedrawing—room，whichwasclosed，andlaidherearagainstit。
　　Itseemedtoherthatitwasthetreadofaman，andthathewaswalkingverysoftly。
　　Shemountedrapidlytothefirstfloor，toherownchamber，openedasmallwicketinhershutter，andpeepedintothegarden。
　　Themoonwasatthefull。Everythingcouldbeseenasplainlyasbyday。
　　Therewasnoonethere。
　　Sheopenedthewindow。Thegardenwasabsolutelycalm，andallthatwasvisiblewasthatthestreetwasdesertedasusual。
　　Cosettethoughtthatshehadbeenmistaken。Shethoughtthatshehadheardanoise。ItwasahallucinationproducedbythemelancholyandmagnificentchorusofWeber，whichlaysopenbeforethemindterrifieddepths，whichtremblesbeforethegazelikeadizzyforest，andinwhichonehearsthecracklingofdeadbranchesbeneaththeuneasytreadofthehuntsmenofwhomonecatchesaglimpsethroughthetwilight。
　　Shethoughtnomoreaboutit。
　　Moreover，Cosettewasnotverytimidbynature。Thereflowedinherveinssomeofthebloodofthebohemianandtheadventuresswhorunsbarefoot。Itwillberememberedthatshewasmoreofalarkthanadove。Therewasafoundationofwildnessandbraveryinher。
　　Onthefollowingday，atanearlierhour，towardsnightfall，shewasstrollinginthegarden。Inthemidstoftheconfusedthoughtswhichoccupiedher，shefanciedthatshecaughtforaninstantasoundsimilartothatoftheprecedingevening，asthoughsomeonewerewalkingbeneaththetreesinthedusk，andnotveryfarfromher；
　　butshetoldherselfthatnothingsocloselyresemblesasteponthegrassasthefrictionoftwobrancheswhichhavemovedfromsidetoside，andshepaidnoheedtoit。Besides，shecouldseenothing。
　　Sheemergedfrom"thethicket"；shehadstilltocrossasmalllawntoregainthesteps。
　　Themoon，whichhadjustrisenbehindher，castCosette’sshadowinfrontofheruponthislawn，asshecameoutfromtheshrubbery。
　　Cosettehaltedinalarm。
　　Besidehershadow，themoonoutlineddistinctlyupontheturfanothershadow，whichwasparticularlystartlingandterrible，ashadowwhichhadaroundhat。
　　Itwastheshadowofaman，whomusthavebeenstandingontheborderoftheclumpofshrubbery，afewpacesintherearofCosette。
　　Shestoodforamomentwithoutthepowertospeak，orcry，orcall，orstir，orturnherhead。
　　Thenshesummonedupallhercourage，andturnedroundresolutely。
　　Therewasnoonethere。
　　Sheglancedontheground。Thefigurehaddisappeared。
　　Shere—enteredthethicket，searchedthecornersboldly，wentasfarasthegate，andfoundnothing。
　　Shefeltherselfabsolutelychilledwithterror。Wasthisanotherhallucination？What！Twodaysinsuccession！
　　Onehallucinationmightpass，buttwohallucinations？
　　Thedisquietingpointaboutitwas，thattheshadowhadassuredlynotbeenaphantom。Phantomsdonotwearroundhats。
　　OnthefollowingdayJeanValjeanreturned。Cosettetoldhimwhatshethoughtshehadheardandseen。Shewantedtobereassuredandtoseeherfathershrughisshouldersandsaytoher:
　　"Youarealittlegoose。"
　　JeanValjeangrewanxious。
　　"Itcannotbeanything，"saidhe。
　　Heleftherundersomepretext，andwentintothegarden，andshesawhimexaminingthegatewithgreatattention。
　　Duringthenightshewokeup；thistimeshewassure，andshedistinctlyheardsomeonewalkingclosetotheflightofstepsbeneathherwindow。
　　Sherantoherlittlewicketandopenedit。Inpointoffact，therewasamaninthegarden，withalargeclubinhishand。
　　Justasshewasabouttoscream，themoonlighteduptheman’sprofile。
　　Itwasherfather。Shereturnedtoherbed，sayingtoherself:
　　"Heisveryuneasy！"
　　JeanValjeanpassedthatnightandthetwosucceedingnightsinthegarden。Cosettesawhimthroughtheholeinhershutter。
　　Onthethirdnight，themoonwasonthewane，andhadbeguntoriselater；atoneo’clockinthemorning，possibly，sheheardaloudburstoflaughterandherfather’svoicecallingher:——
　　"Cosette！"
　　Shejumpedoutofbed，threwonherdressing—gown，andopenedherwindow。
　　Herfatherwasstandingonthegrass—plotbelow。
　　"Ihavewakedyouforthepurposeofreassuringyou，"saidhe；
　　"look，thereisyourshadowwiththeroundhat。"
　　Andhepointedouttoherontheturfashadowcastbythemoon，andwhichdidindeed，bearconsiderableresemblancetothespectreofamanwearingaroundhat。Itwastheshadowproducedbyachimney—pipeofsheetiron，withahood，whichroseaboveaneighboringroof。
　　Cosettejoinedinhislaughter，allherlugubrioussuppositionswereallayed，andthenextmorning，asshewasatbreakfastwithherfather，shemademerryoverthesinistergardenhauntedbytheshadowsofironchimney—pots。
　　JeanValjeanbecamequitetranquiloncemore；asforCosette，shedidnotpaymuchattentiontothequestionwhetherthechimney—potwasreallyinthedirectionoftheshadowwhichshehadseen，orthoughtshehadseen，andwhetherthemoonhadbeeninthesamespotinthesky。
　　Shedidnotquestionherselfastothepeculiarityofachimney—potwhichisafraidofbeingcaughtintheact，andwhichretireswhensomeonelooksatitsshadow，fortheshadowhadtakenthealarmwhenCosettehadturnedround，andCosettehadthoughtherselfverysureofthis。Cosette’sserenitywasfullyrestored。
　　Theproofappearedtohertobecomplete，anditquitevanishedfromhermind，whethertherecouldpossiblybeanyonewalkinginthegardenduringtheeveningoratnight。
　　Afewdayslater，however，afreshincidentoccurred。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　ENRICHEDWITHCOMMENTARIESBYTOUSSAINT
　　Inthegarden，neartherailingonthestreet，therewasastonebench，screenedfromtheeyesofthecuriousbyaplantationofyoke—elms，butwhichcould，incaseofnecessity，bereachedbyanarmfromtheoutside，pastthetreesandthegate。
　　OneeveningduringthatsamemonthofApril，JeanValjeanhadgoneout；Cosettehadseatedherselfonthisbenchaftersundown。
　　Thebreezewasblowingbrisklyinthetrees，Cosettewasmeditating；
　　anobjectlesssadnesswastakingpossessionofherlittlebylittle，thatinvinciblesadnessevokedbytheevening，andwhicharises，perhaps，whoknows，fromthemysteryofthetombwhichisajaratthathour。
　　PerhapsFantinewaswithinthatshadow。
　　Cosetterose，slowlymadethetourofthegarden，walkingonthegrassdrenchedindew，andsayingtoherself，throughthespeciesofmelancholysomnambulisminwhichshewasplunged:
　　"Really，oneneedswoodenshoesforthegardenatthishour。
　　Onetakescold。"
　　Shereturnedtothebench。
　　Asshewasabouttoresumeherseatthere，sheobservedonthespotwhichshehadquitted，atolerablylargestonewhichhad，evidently，notbeenthereamomentbefore。
　　Cosettegazedatthestone，askingherselfwhatitmeant。Allatoncetheideaoccurredtoherthatthestonehadnotreachedthebenchallbyitself，thatsomeonehadplaceditthere，thatanarmhadbeenthrustthroughtherailing，andthisideaappearedtoalarmher。
　　Thistime，thefearwasgenuine；thestonewasthere。Nodoubtwaspossible；shedidnottouchit，fledwithoutglancingbehindher，tookrefugeinthehouse，andimmediatelyclosedwithshutter，bolt，andbarthedoor—likewindowopeningontheflightofsteps。
　　SheinquiredofToussaint:——
　　"Hasmyfatherreturnedyet？"
　　"Notyet，Mademoiselle。"
　　[WehavealreadynotedonceforallthefactthatToussaintstuttered。
　　Maywebepermittedtodispensewithitforthefuture。Themusicalnotationofaninfirmityisrepugnanttous。]
　　JeanValjean，athoughtfulman，andgiventonocturnalstrolls，oftenreturnedquitelateatnight。
　　"Toussaint，"wentonCosette，"areyoucarefultothoroughlybarricadetheshuttersopeningonthegarden，atleastwithbars，intheevening，andtoputthelittleironthingsinthelittleringsthatclosethem？"
　　"Oh！beeasyonthatscore，Miss。"
　　Toussaintdidnotfailinherduty，andCosettewaswellawareofthefact，butshecouldnotrefrainfromadding:——
　　"Itissosolitaryhere。"
　　"Sofarasthatisconcerned，"saidToussaint，"itistrue。
　　Wemightbeassassinatedbeforewehadtimetosayouf！
　　AndMonsieurdoesnotsleepinthehouse，toboot。
　　Butfearnothing，Miss，Ifastentheshuttersuplikeprisons。
　　Lonewomen！Thatisenoughtomakeoneshudder，Ibelieveyou！
　　Justimagine，whatifyouweretoseemenenteryourchamberatnightandsay:`Holdyourtongue！’andbegintocutyourthroat。
　　It’snotthedyingsomuch；youdie，foronemustdie，andthat’sallright；it’stheabominationoffeelingthosepeopletouchyou。
　　Andthen，theirknives；theycan’tbeabletocutwellwiththem！
　　Ah，goodgracious！"
　　"Bequiet，"saidCosette。"Fasteneverythingthoroughly。"
　　Cosette，terrifiedbythemelodramaimprovisedbyToussaint，andpossibly，also，bytherecollectionoftheapparitionsofthepastweek，whichrecurredtohermemory，darednotevensaytoher:
　　"Goandlookatthestonewhichhasbeenplacedonthebench！"
　　forfearofopeningthegardengateandallowing"themen"toenter。
　　Shesawthatallthedoorsandwindowswerecarefullyfastened，madeToussaintgoalloverthehousefromgarrettocellar，lockedherselfupinherownchamber，boltedherdoor，lookedunderhercouch，wenttobedandsleptbadly。Allnightlongshesawthatbigstone，aslargeasamountainandfullofcaverns。
　　Atsunrise，——thepropertyoftherisingsunistomakeuslaughatallourterrorsofthepastnight，andourlaughterisindirectproportiontoourterrorwhichtheyhavecaused，——atsunriseCosette，whenshewoke，viewedherfrightasanightmare，andsaidtoherself:
　　"WhathaveIbeenthinkingof？ItislikethefootstepsthatI
　　thoughtIheardaweekortwoagointhegardenatnight！
　　Itisliketheshadowofthechimney—pot！AmIbecomingacoward？"
　　Thesun，whichwasglowingthroughthecrevicesinhershutters，andturningthedamaskcurtainscrimson，reassuredhertosuchanextentthateverythingvanishedfromherthoughts，eventhestone。
　　"Therewasnomoreastoneonthebenchthantherewasamaninaroundhatinthegarden；Idreamedaboutthestone，asIdidalltherest。"
　　Shedressedherself，descendedtothegarden，rantothebench，andbrokeoutinacoldperspiration。Thestonewasthere。
　　Butthislastedonlyforamoment。Thatwhichisterrorbynightiscuriositybyday。
　　"Bah！"saidshe，"come，letusseewhatitis。"
　　Sheliftedthestone，whichwastolerablylarge。Beneathitwassomethingwhichresembledaletter。Itwasawhiteenvelope。
　　Cosetteseizedit。Therewasnoaddressononeside，nosealontheother。Yettheenvelope，thoughunsealed，wasnotempty。
　　Paperscouldbeseeninside。
　　Cosetteexaminedit。Itwasnolongeralarm，itwasnolongercuriosity；
　　itwasabeginningofanxiety。
　　Cosettedrewfromtheenvelopeitscontents，alittlenotebookofpaper，eachpageofwhichwasnumberedandboreafewlinesinaveryfineandratherprettyhandwriting，asCosettethought。
　　Cosettelookedforaname；therewasnone。Towhomwasthisaddressed？
　　Toher，probably，sinceahandhaddepositedthepacketonherbench。
　　Fromwhomdiditcome？Anirresistiblefascinationtookpossessionofher；shetriedtoturnawayhereyesfromtheleafletswhichweretremblinginherhand，shegazedatthesky，thestreet，theacaciasallbathedinlight，thepigeonsflutteringoveraneighboringroof，andthenherglancesuddenlyfelluponthemanuscript，andshesaidtoherselfthatshemustknowwhatitcontained。
　　Thisiswhatsheread。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　AHEARTBENEATHASTONE
　　Thereductionoftheuniversetoasinglebeing，theexpansionofasinglebeingeventoGod，thatislove。
　　Loveisthesalutationoftheangelstothestars。
　　Howsadisthesoul，whenitissadthroughlove！
　　Whatavoidintheabsenceofthebeingwho，byherselfalonefillstheworld！Oh！howtrueitisthatthebelovedbeingbecomesGod。
　　OnecouldcomprehendthatGodmightbejealousofthishadnotGodtheFatherofallevidentlymadecreationforthesoul，andthesoulforlove。
　　Theglimpseofasmilebeneathawhitecrapebonnetwithalilaccurtainissufficienttocausethesoultoenterintothepalaceofdreams。
　　Godisbehindeverything，buteverythinghidesGod。Thingsareblack，creaturesareopaque。Toloveabeingistorenderthatbeingtransparent。
　　Certainthoughtsareprayers。Therearemomentswhen，whatevertheattitudeofthebodymaybe，thesoulisonitsknees。
　　Partedloversbeguileabsencebyathousandchimericaldevices，whichpossess，however，arealityoftheirown。Theyarepreventedfromseeingeachother，theycannotwritetoeachother；
　　theydiscoveramultitudeofmysteriousmeanstocorrespond。
　　Theysendeachotherthesongofthebirds，theperfumeoftheflowers，thesmilesofchildren，thelightofthesun，thesighingsofthebreeze，theraysofstars，allcreation。Andwhynot？
　　AlltheworksofGodaremadetoservelove。Loveissufficientlypotenttochargeallnaturewithitsmessages。
　　OhSpring！ThouartaletterthatIwritetoher。
　　Thefuturebelongstoheartsevenmorethanitdoestominds。
　　Love，thatistheonlythingthatcanoccupyandfilleternity。
　　Intheinfinite，theinexhaustibleisrequisite。
　　Loveparticipatesofthesoulitself。Itisofthesamenature。
　　Likeit，itisthedivinespark；likeit，itisincorruptible，indivisible，imperishable。Itisapointoffirethatexistswithinus，whichisimmortalandinfinite，whichnothingcanconfine，andwhichnothingcanextinguish。Wefeelitburningeventotheverymarrowofourbones，andweseeitbeamingintheverydepthsofheaven。
　　OhLove！Adorations！voluptuousnessoftwomindswhichunderstandeachother，oftwoheartswhichexchangewitheachother，oftwoglanceswhichpenetrateeachother！Youwillcometome，willyounot，bliss！strollsbytwosinthesolitudes！Blessedandradiantdays！Ihavesometimesdreamedthatfromtimetotimehoursdetachedthemselvesfromthelivesoftheangelsandcameherebelowtotraversethedestiniesofmen。
　　Godcanaddnothingtothehappinessofthosewholove，excepttogivethemendlessduration。Afteralifeoflove，aneternityofloveis，infact，anaugmentation；buttoincreaseinintensityeventheineffablefelicitywhichlovebestowsonthesouleveninthisworld，isimpossible，eventoGod。Godistheplenitudeofheaven；
　　loveistheplenitudeofman。
　　Youlookatastarfortworeasons，becauseitisluminous，andbecauseitisimpenetrable。Youhavebesideyouasweeterradianceandagreatermystery，woman。
　　Allofus，whoeverwemaybe，haveourrespirablebeings。Welackairandwestifle。Thenwedie。Todieforlackofloveishorrible。
　　Suffocationofthesoul。
　　Whenlovehasfusedandmingledtwobeingsinasacredandangelicunity，thesecretoflifehasbeendiscoveredsofarastheyareconcerned；theyarenolongeranythingmorethanthetwoboundariesofthesamedestiny；theyarenolongeranythingbutthetwowingsofthesamespirit。Love，soar。
　　Onthedaywhenawomanasshepassesbeforeyouemitslightasshewalks，youarelost，youlove。Butonethingremainsforyoutodo:
　　tothinkofhersointentlythatsheisconstrainedtothinkofyou。
　　WhatlovecommencescanbefinishedbyGodalone。
　　Trueloveisindespairandisenchantedoveraglovelostorahandkerchieffound，andeternityisrequiredforitsdevotionanditshopes。Itiscomposedbothoftheinfinitelygreatandtheinfinitelylittle。
　　Ifyouareastone，beadamant；ifyouareaplant，bethesensitiveplant；ifyouareaman，belove。
　　Nothingsufficesforlove。Wehavehappiness，wedesireparadise；
　　wepossessparadise，wedesireheaven。
　　Ohyewholoveeachother，allthisiscontainedinlove。
　　Understandhowtofinditthere。Lovehascontemplationaswellasheaven，andmorethanheaven，ithasvoluptuousness。
　　"DoesshestillcometotheLuxembourg？""No，sir。""Thisisthechurchwheresheattendsmass，isitnot？""Shenolongercomeshere。"
　　"Doesshestillliveinthishouse？""Shehasmovedaway。"
　　"Wherehasshegonetodwell？"
　　"Shedidnotsay。"
　　Whatamelancholythingnottoknowtheaddressofone’ssoul！
　　Lovehasitschildishness，otherpassionshavetheirpettinesses。
　　Shameonthepassionswhichbelittleman！Honortotheonewhichmakesachildofhim！
　　Thereisonestrangething，doyouknowit？Idwellinthenight。
　　Thereisabeingwhocarriedoffmyskywhenshewentaway。
　　Oh！wouldthatwewerelyingsidebysideinthesamegrave，handinhand，andfromtimetotime，inthedarkness，gentlycaressingafinger，——thatwouldsufficeformyeternity！
　　Yewhosufferbecauseyelove，loveyetmore。Todieoflove，istoliveinit。
　　Love。Asombreandstarrytransfigurationismingledwiththistorture。
　　Thereisecstasyinagony。
　　Ohjoyofthebirds！Itisbecausetheyhaveneststhattheysing。
　　Loveisacelestialrespirationoftheairofparadise。
　　Deephearts，sageminds，takelifeasGodhasmadeit；itisalongtrial，anincomprehensiblepreparationforanunknowndestiny。
　　Thisdestiny，thetrueone，beginsforamanwiththefirststepinsidethetomb。Thensomethingappearstohim，andhebeginstodistinguishthedefinitive。Thedefinitive，meditateuponthatword。
　　Thelivingperceivetheinfinite；thedefinitivepermitsitselftobeseenonlybythedead。Inthemeanwhile，loveandsuffer，hopeandcontemplate。Woe，alas！tohimwhoshallhavelovedonlybodies，forms，appearances！Deathwilldeprivehimofall。
　　Trytolovesouls，youwillfindthemagain。
　　Iencounteredinthestreet，averypooryoungmanwhowasinlove。
　　Hishatwasold，hiscoatwasworn，hiselbowswereinholes；
　　watertrickledthroughhisshoes，andthestarsthroughhissoul。
　　Whatagrandthingitistobeloved！Whatafargranderthingitistolove！Theheartbecomesheroic，bydintofpassion。
　　Itisnolongercomposedofanythingbutwhatispure；itnolongerrestsonanythingthatisnotelevatedandgreat。Anunworthythoughtcannomoregerminateinit，thananettleonaglacier。
　　Thesereneandloftysoul，inaccessibletovulgarpassionsandemotions，dominatingthecloudsandtheshadesofthisworld，itsfollies，itslies，itshatreds，itsvanities，itsmiseries，inhabitstheblueofheaven，andnolongerfeelsanythingbutprofoundandsubterraneanshocksofdestiny，asthecrestsofmountainsfeeltheshocksofearthquake。
　　Iftheredidnotexistsomeonewholoved，thesunwouldbecomeextinct。
　　CHAPTERV
　　COSETTEAFTERTHELETTER
　　AsCosetteread，shegraduallyfellintothought。Attheverymomentwhensheraisedhereyesfromthelastlineofthenote—book，thehandsomeofficerpassedtriumphantlyinfrontofthegate，——
　　itwashishour；Cosettethoughthimhideous。
　　Sheresumedhercontemplationofthebook。Itwaswritteninthemostcharmingofchirography，thoughtCosette；inthesamehand，butwithdiversinks，sometimesveryblack，againwhitish，aswheninkhasbeenaddedtotheinkstand，andconsequentlyondifferentdays。Itwas，then，amindwhichhadunfoldeditselfthere，sighbysigh，irregularly，withoutorder，withoutchoice，withoutobject，hap—hazard。Cosettehadneverreadanythinglikeit。
　　Thismanuscript，inwhichshealreadyperceivedmorelightthanobscurity，produceduponhertheeffectofahalf—opensanctuary。
　　Eachoneofthesemysteriouslinesshonebeforehereyesandinundatedherheartwithastrangeradiance。Theeducationwhichshehadreceivedhadalwaystalkedtoherofthesoul，andneveroflove，verymuchasonemighttalkofthefirebrandandnotoftheflame。
　　Thismanuscriptoffifteenpagessuddenlyandsweetlyrevealedtoheralloflove，sorrow，destiny，life，eternity，thebeginning，theend。Itwasasifahandhadopenedandsuddenlyflunguponherahandfulofraysoflight。Inthesefewlinesshefeltapassionate，ardent，generous，honestnature，asacredwill，animmensesorrow，andanimmensedespair，asufferingheart，anecstasyfullyexpanded。Whatwasthismanuscript？Aletter。
　　Aletterwithoutname，withoutaddress，withoutdate，withoutsignature，pressinganddisinterested，anenigmacomposedoftruths，amessageoflovemadetobebroughtbyanangelandreadbyavirgin，anappointmentmadebeyondtheboundsofearth，thelove—letterofaphantomtoashade。Itwasanabsentone，tranquilanddejected，whoseemedreadytotakerefugeindeathandwhosenttotheabsentlove，hislady，thesecretoffate，thekeyoflife，love。Thishadbeenwrittenwithonefootinthegraveandonefingerinheaven。
　　Theselines，whichhadfallenonebyoneonthepaper，werewhatmightbecalleddropsofsoul。
　　Now，fromwhomcouldthesepagescome？Whocouldhavepennedthem？
　　Cosettedidnothesitateamoment。Onemanonly。
　　He！
　　Dayhaddawnedoncemoreinherspirit；allhadreappeared。
　　Shefeltanunheard—ofjoy，andaprofoundanguish。Itwashe！hewhohadwritten！hewasthere！itwashewhosearmhadbeenthrustthroughthatrailing！Whileshewasforgetfulofhim，hehadfoundheragain！Buthadsheforgottenhim？No，never！Shewasfoolishtohavethoughtsoforasinglemoment。Shehadalwayslovedhim，alwaysadoredhim。Thefirehadbeensmothered，andhadsmoulderedforatime，butshesawallplainlynow；ithadbutmadeheadway，andnowithadburstforthafresh，andhadinflamedherwholebeing。
　　Thisnote—bookwaslikeasparkwhichhadfallenfromthatothersoulintohers。Shefelttheconflagrationstartinguponcemore。
　　Sheimbuedherselfthoroughlywitheverywordofthemanuscript:
　　"Ohyes！"saidshe，"howperfectlyIrecognizeallthat！ThatiswhatIhadalreadyreadinhiseyes。"Asshewasfinishingitforthethirdtime，LieutenantTheodulepassedthegateoncemore，andrattledhisspursuponthepavement。Cosettewasforcedtoraisehereyes。Shethoughthiminsipid，silly，stupid，useless，foppish，displeasing，impertinent，andextremelyugly。
　　Theofficerthoughtithisdutytosmileather。
　　Sheturnedawayasinshameandindignation。Shewouldgladlyhavethrownsomethingathishead。
　　Shefled，re—enteredthehouse，andshutherselfupinherchambertoperusethemanuscriptoncemore，tolearnitbyheart，andtodream。Whenshehadthoroughlymastereditshekisseditandputitinherbosom。
　　Allwasover，Cosettehadfallenbackintodeep，seraphiclove。
　　TheabyssofEdenhadyawnedoncemore。
　　Alldaylong，Cosetteremainedinasortofbewilderment。
　　Shescarcelythought，herideaswereinthestateofatangledskeininherbrain，shecouldnotmanagetoconjectureanything，shehopedthroughatremor，what？vaguethings。Shedaredmakeherselfnopromises，andshedidnotwishtorefuseherselfanything。
　　Flashesofpallorpassedoverhercountenance，andshiversranthroughherframe。Itseemedtoher，atintervals，thatshewasenteringthelandofchimaeras；shesaidtoherself:"Isthisreality？"
　　Thenshefeltofthedearpaperwithinherbosomunderhergown，shepressedittoherheart，shefeltitsanglesagainstherflesh；
　　andifJeanValjeanhadseenheratthemoment，hewouldhaveshudderedinthepresenceofthatluminousandunknownjoy，whichoverflowedfrombeneathhereyelids。——"Ohyes！"shethought，"itiscertainlyhe！
　　Thiscomesfromhim，andisforme！"
　　Andshetoldherselfthataninterventionoftheangels，acelestialchance，hadgivenhimbacktoher。
　　Ohtransfigurationoflove！Ohdreams！Thatcelestialchance，thatinterventionoftheangels，wasapelletofbreadtossedbyonethieftoanotherthief，fromtheCharlemagneCourtyardtotheLion’sDitch，overtheroofsofLaForce。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　OLDPEOPLEAREMADETOGOOUTOPPORTUNELY
　　Wheneveningcame，JeanValjeanwentout；Cosettedressedherself。
　　Shearrangedherhairinthemostbecomingmanner，andsheputonadresswhosebodicehadreceivedonesnipofthescissorstoomuch，andwhich，throughthisslope，permittedaviewofthebeginningofherthroat，andwas，asyounggirlssay，"atrifleindecent。"
　　Itwasnotintheleastindecent，butitwasprettierthanusual。
　　Shemadehertoiletthuswithoutknowingwhyshedidso。
　　Didshemeantogoout？No。
　　Wassheexpectingavisitor？No。
　　Atdusk，shewentdowntothegarden。Toussaintwasbusyinherkitchen，whichopenedonthebackyard。
　　Shebegantostrollaboutunderthetrees，thrustingasidethebranchesfromtimetotimewithherhand，becausethereweresomewhichhungverylow。
　　Inthismannershereachedthebench。
　　Thestonewasstillthere。
　　Shesatdown，andgentlylaidherwhitehandonthisstoneasthoughshewishedtocaressandthankit。
　　Allatonce，sheexperiencedthatindefinableimpressionwhichoneundergoeswhenthereissomeonestandingbehindone，evenwhenshedoesnotseetheperson。
　　Sheturnedherheadandrosetoherfeet。
　　Itwashe。
　　Hisheadwasbare。Heappearedtohavegrownthinandpale。
　　Hisblackclotheswerehardlydiscernible。Thetwilightthrewawanlightonhisfinebrow，andcoveredhiseyesinshadows。
　　Beneathaveilofincomparablesweetness，hehadsomethingabouthimthatsuggesteddeathandnight。Hisfacewasilluminatedbythelightofthedyingday，andbythethoughtofasoulthatistakingflight。
　　Heseemedtobenotyetaghost，andhewasnolongeraman。
　　Hehadflungawayhishatinthethicket，afewpacesdistant。
　　Cosette，thoughreadytoswoon，utterednocry。Sheretreatedslowly，forshefeltherselfattracted。Hedidnotstir。Byvirtueofsomethingineffableandmelancholywhichenvelopedhim，shefeltthelookinhiseyeswhichshecouldnotsee。
　　Cosette，inherretreat，encounteredatreeandleanedagainstit。
　　Haditnotbeenforthistree，shewouldhavefallen。
　　Thensheheardhisvoice，thatvoicewhichshehadreallyneverheard，barelyrisingabovetherustleoftheleaves，andmurmuring:——
　　"Pardonme，hereIam。Myheartisfull。IcouldnotliveonasI
　　wasliving，andIhavecome。HaveyoureadwhatIplacedthereonthebench？Doyourecognizemeatall？Havenofearofme。
　　Itisalongtime，youremembertheday，sinceyoulookedatmeattheLuxembourg，neartheGladiator。Andthedaywhenyoupassedbeforeme？Itwasonthe16thofJuneandthe2dofJuly。Itisnearlyayearago。Ihavenotseenyouforalongtime。Iinquiredofthewomanwholetthechairs，andshetoldmethatshenolongersawyou。
　　YoulivedintheRuedel’Ouest，onthethirdfloor，inthefrontapartmentsofanewhouse，——youseethatIknow！Ifollowedyou。
　　Whatelsewasthereformetodo？Andthenyoudisappeared。
　　IthoughtIsawyoupassonce，whileIwasreadingthenewspapersunderthearcadeoftheOdeon。Iranafteryou。Butno。Itwasapersonwhohadabonnetlikeyours。AtnightIcamehither。
　　Donotbeafraid，nooneseesme。Icometogazeuponyourwindowsnearathand。Iwalkverysoftly，sothatyoumaynothear，foryoumightbealarmed。TheothereveningIwasbehindyou，youturnedround，Ifled。Once，Iheardyousinging。Iwashappy。
　　DiditaffectyoubecauseIheardyousingingthroughtheshutters？
　　Thatcouldnothurtyou。No，itisnotso？Yousee，youaremyangel！Letmecomesometimes；IthinkthatIamgoingtodie。
　　Ifyouonlyknew！Iadoreyou。Forgiveme，Ispeaktoyou，butI
　　donotknowwhatIamsaying；Imayhavedispleasedyou；haveI
　　displeasedyou？"
　　"Oh！mymother！"saidshe。
　　Andshesankdownasthoughonthepointofdeath。
　　Hegraspedher，shefell，hetookherinhisarms，hepressedherclose，withoutknowingwhathewasdoing。Hesupportedher，thoughhewastotteringhimself。Itwasasthoughhisbrainwerefullofsmoke；
　　lightningsdartedbetweenhislips；hisideasvanished；itseemedtohimthathewasaccomplishingsomereligiousact，andthathewascommittingaprofanation。Moreover，hehadnottheleastpassionforthislovelywomanwhoseforcehefeltagainsthisbreast。
　　Hewasbesidehimselfwithlove。
　　Shetookhishandandlaiditonherheart。Hefeltthepaperthere，hestammered:——
　　"Youloveme，then？"
　　Sherepliedinavoicesolowthatitwasnolongeranythingmorethanabarelyaudiblebreath:——
　　"Hush！Thouknowestit！"
　　Andshehidherblushingfaceonthebreastofthesuperbandintoxicatedyoungman。
　　Hefelluponthebench，andshebesidehim。Theyhadnowordsmore。
　　Thestarswerebeginningtogleam。Howdiditcometopassthattheirlipsmet？Howcomesittopassthatthebirdssing，thatsnowmelts，thattheroseunfolds，thatMayexpands，thatthedawngrowswhitebehindtheblacktreesontheshiveringcrestofthehills？
　　Akiss，andthatwasall。
　　Bothstarted，andgazedintothedarknesswithsparklingeyes。
　　Theyfeltneitherthecoolnight，northecoldstone，northedampearth，northewetgrass；theylookedateachother，andtheirheartswerefullofthoughts。Theyhadclaspedhandsunconsciously。
　　Shedidnotaskhim，shedidnotevenwonder，howhehadenteredthere，andhowhehadmadehiswayintothegarden。Itseemedsosimpletoherthatheshouldbethere！
　　Fromtimetotime，Marius’kneetouchedCosette’sknee，andbothshivered。
　　Atintervals，Cosettestammeredaword。Hersoulflutteredonherlipslikeadropofdewonaflower。
　　Littlebylittletheybegantotalktoeachother。Effusionfollowedsilence，whichisfulness。Thenightwassereneandsplendidoverhead。
　　Thesetwobeings，pureasspirits，toldeachothereverything，theirdreams，theirintoxications，theirecstasies，theirchimaeras，theirweaknesses，howtheyhadadoredeachotherfromafar，howtheyhadlongedforeachother，theirdespairwhentheyhadceasedtoseeeachother。Theyconfidedtoeachotherinanidealintimacy，whichnothingcouldaugment，theirmostsecretandmostmysteriousthoughts。Theyrelatedtoeachother，withcandidfaithintheirillusions，allthatlove，youth，andtheremainsofchildhoodwhichstilllingeredaboutthem，suggestedtotheirminds。
　　Theirtwoheartspouredthemselvesoutintoeachotherinsuchwise，thatattheexpirationofaquarterofanhour，itwastheyoungmanwhohadtheyounggirl’ssoul，andtheyounggirlwhohadtheyoungman’ssoul。Eachbecamepermeatedwiththeother，theywereenchantedwitheachother，theydazzledeachother。
　　Whentheyhadfinished，whentheyhadtoldeachothereverything，shelaidherheadonhisshoulderandaskedhim:——
　　"Whatisyourname？"
　　"MynameisMarius，"saidhe。"Andyours？"
　　"MynameisCosette。"
　　BOOKSIXTH。——LITTLEGAVROCHE
　　CHAPTERI
　　THEMALICIOUSPLAYFULNESSOFTHEWIND
　　Since1823，whenthetavernofMontfermeilwasonthewaytoshipwreckandwasbeinggraduallyengulfed，notintheabyssofabankruptcy，butinthecesspoolofpettydebts，theThenardierpairhadhadtwootherchildren；bothmales。Thatmadefive；twogirlsandthreeboys。
　　MadameThenardierhadgotridofthelasttwo，whiletheywerestillyoungandverysmall，withremarkableluck。
　　Gotridofistheword。Therewasbutamerefragmentofnatureinthatwoman。Aphenomenon，bytheway，ofwhichthereismorethanoneexampleextant。LiketheMarechaledeLaMothe—Houdancourt，theThenardierwasamothertoherdaughtersonly。
　　Therehermaternityended。Herhatredofthehumanracebeganwithherownsons。Inthedirectionofhersonsherevildispositionwasuncompromising，andherhearthadalugubriouswallinthatquarter。Asthereaderhasseen，shedetestedtheeldest；shecursedtheothertwo。Why？Because。Themostterribleofmotives，themostunanswerableofretorts——Because。
　　"Ihavenoneedofalitterofsquallingbrats，"saidthismother。
　　LetusexplainhowtheThenardiershadsucceededingettingridoftheirlasttwochildren；andevenindrawingprofitfromtheoperation。
　　ThewomanMagnon，whowasmentionedafewpagesfurtherback，wasthesameonewhohadsucceededinmakingoldGillenormandsupportthetwochildrenwhichshehadhad。ShelivedontheQuaidesCelestins，atthecornerofthisancientstreetofthePetit—Muscwhichaffordedhertheopportunityofchangingherevilreputeintogoododor。
　　ThereaderwillrememberthegreatepidemicofcroupwhichravagedtheriverdistrictsoftheSeineinParisthirty—fiveyearsago，andofwhichsciencetookadvantagetomakeexperimentsonagrandscaleastotheefficacyofinhalationsofalum，sobeneficiallyreplacedatthepresentdaybytheexternaltinctureofiodine。
　　Duringthisepidemic，theMagnonlostbothherboys，whowerestillveryyoung，oneinthemorning，theotherintheeveningofthesameday。
　　Thiswasablow。Thesechildrenwereprecioustotheirmother；
　　theyrepresentedeightyfrancsamonth。TheseeightyfrancswerepunctuallypaidinthenameofM。Gillenormand，bycollectorofhisrents，M。Barge，aretiredtip—staff，intheRueduRoi—de—Sicile。Thechildrendead，theincomewasatanend。TheMagnonsoughtanexpedient。
　　Inthatdarkfree—masonryofevilofwhichsheformedapart，everythingisknown，allsecretsarekept，andalllendmutualaid。
　　Magnonneededtwochildren；theThenardiershadtwo。Thesamesex，thesameage。Agoodarrangementfortheone，agoodinvestmentfortheother。ThelittleThenardiersbecamelittleMagnons。
　　MagnonquittedtheQuaidesCelestinsandwenttoliveintheRueClocheperce。InParis，theidentitywhichbindsanindividualtohimselfisbrokenbetweenonestreetandanother。
　　Theregistryofficebeinginnowaywarned，raisednoobjections，andthesubstitutionwaseffectedinthemostsimplemannerintheworld。Only，theThenardierexactedforthisloanofherchildren，tenfrancsamonth，whichMagnonpromisedtopay，andwhichsheactuallydidpay。ItisunnecessarytoaddthatM。Gillenormandcontinuedtoperformhiscompact。Hecametoseethechildreneverysixmonths。Hedidnotperceivethechange。
　　"Monsieur，"Magnonsaidtohim，"howmuchtheyresembleyou！"
　　Thenardier，towhomavatarswereeasy，seizedthisoccasiontobecomeJondrette。HistwodaughtersandGavrochehadhardlyhadtimetodiscoverthattheyhadtwolittlebrothers。Whenacertaindegreeofmiseryisreached，oneisoverpoweredwithasortofspectralindifference，andoneregardshumanbeingsasthoughtheywerespectres。Yournearestrelationsareoftennomoreforyouthanvagueshadowyforms，barelyoutlinedagainstanebulousbackgroundoflifeandeasilyconfoundedagainwiththeinvisible。
　　OntheeveningofthedaywhenshehadhandedoverhertwolittleonestoMagnon，withexpressintentionofrenouncingthemforever，theThenardierhadfelt，orhadappearedtofeel，ascruple。Shesaidtoherhusband:"Butthisisabandoningourchildren！"Thenardier，masterfulandphlegmatic，cauterizedthescruplewiththissaying:
　　"JeanJacquesRousseaudidevenbetter！"Fromscruples，themotherproceededtouneasiness:"Butwhatifthepoliceweretoannoyus？
　　Tellme，MonsieurThenardier，iswhatwehavedonepermissible？"
　　Thenardierreplied:"Everythingispermissible。Noonewillseeanythingbuttrueblueinit。Besides，noonehasanyinterestinlookingcloselyafterchildrenwhohavenotasou。"
　　Magnonwasasortoffashionablewomaninthesphereofcrime。
　　Shewascarefulabouthertoilet。Shesharedherlodgings，whichwerefurnishedinanaffectedandwretchedstyle，withaclevergallicizedEnglishthief。ThisEnglishwoman，whohadbecomeanaturalizedParisienne，recommendedbyverywealthyrelations，intimatelyconnectedwiththemedalsintheLibraryandMademoiselleMar’sdiamonds，becamecelebratedlateroninjudicialaccounts。
　　ShewascalledMamselleMiss。
　　ThetwolittlecreatureswhohadfallentoMagnonhadnoreasontocomplainoftheirlot。Recommendedbytheeightyfrancs，theywerewellcaredfor，asiseverythingfromwhichprofitisderived；
　　theywereneitherbadlyclothed，norbadlyfed；theyweretreatedalmostlike"littlegentlemen，"——betterbytheirfalsemotherthanbytheirrealone。Magnonplayedthelady，andtalkednothieves’
　　slangintheirpresence。
　　Thuspassedseveralyears。Thenardierauguredwellfromthefact。
　　Oneday，hechancedtosaytoMagnonasshehandedhimhismonthlystipendoftenfrancs:"Thefathermustgivethemsomeeducation。"
　　Allatonce，thesetwopoorchildren，whohaduptothattimebeenprotectedtolerablywell，evenbytheirevilfate，wereabruptlyhurledintolifeandforcedtobeginitforthemselves。
　　Awholesalearrestofmalefactors，likethatintheJondrettegarret，necessarilycomplicatedbyinvestigationsandsubsequentincarcerations，isaveritabledisasterforthathideousandoccultcounter—societywhichpursuesitsexistencebeneathpublicsociety；anadventureofthisdescriptionentailsallsortsofcatastrophesinthatsombreworld。
　　TheThenardiercatastropheinvolvedthecatastropheofMagnon。
　　Oneday，ashorttimeafterMagnonhadhandedtoEponinethenoterelatingtotheRuePlumet，asuddenraidwasmadebythepoliceintheRueClocheperce；Magnonwasseized，aswasalsoMamselleMiss；
　　andalltheinhabitantsofthehouse，whichwasofasuspiciouscharacter，weregatheredintothenet。Whilethiswasgoingon，thetwolittleboyswereplayinginthebackyard，andsawnothingoftheraid。
　　Whentheytriedtoenterthehouseagain，theyfoundthedoorfastenedandthehouseempty。Acobbleroppositecalledthemtohim，anddeliveredtothemapaperwhich"theirmother"hadleftforthem。
　　Onthispapertherewasanaddress:M。Barge，collectorofrents，RueduRoi—de—Sicile，No。8。Theproprietorofthestallsaidtothem:
　　"Youcannotlivehereanylonger。Gothere。Itisnearby。
　　Thefirststreetontheleft。Askyourwayfromthispaper。"
　　Thechildrensetout，theelderleadingtheyounger，andholdinginhishandthepaperwhichwastoguidethem。Itwascold，andhisbenumbedlittlefingerscouldnotcloseveryfirmly，andtheydidnotkeepaverygoodholdonthepaper。AtthecorneroftheRueClocheperce，agustofwindtoreitfromhim，andasnightwasfalling，thechildwasnotabletofinditagain。
　　Theybegantowanderaimlesslythroughthestreets。
　　CHAPTERII
　　INWHICHLITTLEGAVROCHEEXTRACTSPROFITFROMNAPOLEONTHEGREAT
　　SpringinParisisoftentraversedbyharshandpiercingbreezeswhichdonotpreciselychillbutfreezeone；thesenorthwindswhichsaddenthemostbeautifuldaysproduceexactlytheeffectofthosepuffsofcoldairwhichenterawarmroomthroughthecracksofabadlyfittingdoororwindow。Itseemsasthoughthegloomydoorofwinterhadremainedajar，andasthoughthewindwerepouringthroughit。
　　Inthespringof1832，theepochwhenthefirstgreatepidemicofthiscenturybrokeoutinEurope，thesenorthgalesweremoreharshandpiercingthanever。Itwasadoorevenmoreglacialthanthatofwinterwhichwasajar。Itwasthedoorofthesepulchre。
　　Inthesewindsonefeltthebreathofthecholera。
　　Fromameteorologicalpointofview，thesecoldwindspossessedthispeculiarity，thattheydidnotprecludeastrongelectrictension。
　　Frequentstorms，accompaniedbythunderandlightning，burstforthatthisepoch。
　　Oneevening，whenthesegaleswereblowingrudely，tosuchadegreethatJanuaryseemedtohavereturnedandthatthebourgeoishadresumedtheircloaks，LittleGavroche，whowasalwaysshiveringgaylyunderhisrags，wasstandingasthoughinecstasybeforeawig—maker’sshopinthevicinityoftheOrme—Saint—Gervais。Hewasadornedwithawoman’swoollenshawl，pickedupnooneknowswhere，andwhichhehadconvertedintoaneckcomforter。LittleGavrocheappearedtobeengagedinintentadmirationofawaxbride，inalow—neckeddress，andcrownedwithorange—flowers，whowasrevolvinginthewindow，anddisplayinghersmiletopassers—by，betweentwoargandlamps；butinreality，hewastakinganobservationoftheshop，inordertodiscoverwhetherhecouldnot"prig"
　　fromtheshop—frontacakeofsoap，whichhewouldthenproceedtosellforasoutoa"hair—dresser"inthesuburbs。Hehadoftenmanagedtobreakfastoffofsucharoll。Hecalledhisspeciesofwork，forwhichhepossessedspecialaptitude，"shavingbarbers。"
　　Whilecontemplatingthebride，andeyeingthecakeofsoap，hemutteredbetweenhisteeth:"Tuesday。ItwasnotTuesday。
　　WasitTuesday？PerhapsitwasTuesday。Yes，itwasTuesday。"
　　Noonehaseverdiscoveredtowhatthismonologuereferred。
　　Yes，perchance，thismonologuehadsomeconnectionwiththelastoccasiononwhichhehaddined，threedaysbefore，foritwasnowFriday。
　　Thebarberinhisshop，whichwaswarmedbyagoodstove，wasshavingacustomerandcastingaglancefromtimetotimeattheenemy，thatfreezingandimpudentstreeturchinbothofwhosehandswereinhispockets，butwhosemindwasevidentlyunsheathed。
　　WhileGavrochewasscrutinizingtheshop—windowandthecakesofwindsorsoap，twochildrenofunequalstature，veryneatlydressed，andstillsmallerthanhimself，oneapparentlyaboutsevenyearsofage，theotherfive，timidlyturnedthehandleandenteredtheshop，witharequestforsomethingorother，almspossibly，inaplaintivemurmurwhichresembledagroanratherthanaprayer。
　　Theybothspokeatonce，andtheirwordswereunintelligiblebecausesobsbrokethevoiceoftheyounger，andtheteethoftheelderwerechatteringwithcold。Thebarberwheeledroundwithafuriouslook，andwithoutabandoninghisrazor，thrustbacktheelderwithhislefthandandtheyoungerwithhisknee，andslammedhisdoor，saying:
　　"Theideaofcominginandfreezingeverybodyfornothing！"
　　Thetwochildrenresumedtheirmarchintears。Inthemeantime，acloudhadrisen；ithadbeguntorain。
　　LittleGavrocheranafterthemandaccostedthem:——
　　"What’sthematterwithyou，brats？"
　　"Wedon’tknowwherewearetosleep，"repliedtheelder。
　　"Isthatall？"saidGavroche。"Agreatmatter，truly。Theideaofbawlingaboutthat。Theymustbegreenies！"
　　Andadopting，inadditiontohissuperiority，whichwasratherbantering，anaccentoftenderauthorityandgentlepatronage:——
　　"Comealongwithme，young’uns！"
　　"Yes，sir，"saidtheelder。
　　Andthetwochildrenfollowedhimastheywouldhavefollowedanarchbishop。Theyhadstoppedcrying。
　　GavrocheledthemuptheRueSaint—AntoineinthedirectionoftheBastille。
　　AsGavrochewalkedalong，hecastanindignantbackwardglanceatthebarber’sshop。
　　"Thatfellowhasnoheart，thewhiting，"[35]hemuttered。
　　"He’sanEnglishman。"
　　[35]Merlan:asobriquetgiventohairdressersbecausetheyarewhitewithpowder。
　　Awomanwhocaughtsightofthesethreemarchinginafile，withGavrocheattheirhead，burstintonoisylaughter。Thislaughwaswantinginrespecttowardsthegroup。
　　"Goodday，MamselleOmnibus，"saidGavrochetoher。
　　Aninstantlater，thewig—makeroccurredtohismindoncemore，andheadded:——
　　"Iammakingamistakeinthebeast；he’snotawhiting，he’saserpent。Barber，I’llgoandfetchalocksmith，andI’llhaveabellhungtoyourtail。"
　　Thiswig—makerhadrenderedhimaggressive。Ashestrodeoveragutter，heapostrophizedabeardedportresswhowasworthytomeetFaustontheBrocken，andwhohadabroominherhand。
　　"Madam，"saidhe，"soyouaregoingoutwithyourhorse？"
　　Andthereupon，hespatteredthepolishedbootsofapedestrian。
　　"Youscamp！"shoutedthefuriouspedestrian。
　　Gavrocheelevatedhisnoseabovehisshawl。
　　"IsMonsieurcomplaining？"
　　"Ofyou！"ejaculatedtheman。
　　"Theofficeisclosed，"saidGavroche，"Idonotreceiveanymorecomplaints。"
　　Inthemeanwhile，ashewentonupthestreet，heperceivedabeggar—girl，thirteenorfourteenyearsold，andcladinsoshortagownthatherkneeswerevisible，lyingthoroughlychilledunderaporte—cochere。Thelittlegirlwasgettingtobetoooldforsuchathing。Growthdoesplaythesetricks。Thepetticoatbecomesshortatthemomentwhennuditybecomesindecent。
　　"Poorgirl！"saidGavroche。"Shehasn’teventrousers。Holdon，takethis。"
　　Andunwindingallthecomfortablewoollenwhichhehadaroundhisneck，heflungitonthethinandpurpleshouldersofthebeggar—girl，wherethescarfbecameashawloncemore。
　　Thechildstaredathiminastonishment，andreceivedtheshawlinsilence。Whenacertainstageofdistresshasbeenreachedinhismisery，thepoormannolongergroansoverevil，nolongerreturnsthanksforgood。
　　Thatdone:"Brrr！"saidGavroche，whowasshiveringmorethanSaintMartin，forthelatterretainedone—halfofhiscloak。
　　Atthisbrrr！thedownpourofrain，redoubledinitsspite，becamefurious。Thewickedskiespunishgooddeeds。
　　"Ah，comenow！"exclaimedGavroche，"what’sthemeaningofthis？
　　It’sre—raining！GoodHeavens，ifitgoesonlikethis，Ishallstopmysubscription。"
　　Andhesetoutonthemarchoncemore。
　　"It’sallright，"heresumed，castingaglanceatthebeggar—girl，asshecoiledupundertheshawl，"she’sgotafamouspeel。"
　　Andlookingupatthecloudsheexclaimed:——
　　"Caught！"
　　Thetwochildrenfollowedcloseonhisheels。
　　Astheywerepassingoneoftheseheavygratedlattices，whichindicateabaker’sshop，forbreadisputbehindbarslikegold，Gavrocheturnedround:——
　　"Ah，bytheway，brats，havewedined？"
　　"Monsieur，"repliedtheelder，"wehavehadnothingtoeatsincethismorning。"
　　"Soyouhaveneitherfathernormother？"resumedGavrochemajestically。
　　"Excuseus，sir，wehaveapapaandamamma，butwedon’tknowwheretheyare。"
　　"Sometimesthat’sbetterthanknowingwheretheyare，"saidGavroche，whowasathinker。
　　"Wehavebeenwanderingaboutthesetwohours，"continuedtheelder，"wehavehuntedforthingsatthecornersofthestreets，butwehavefoundnothing。"
　　"Iknow，"ejaculatedGavroche，"it’sthedogswhoeateverything。"
　　Hewenton，afterapause:——
　　"Ah！wehavelostourauthors。Wedon’tknowwhatwehavedonewiththem。Thisshouldnotbe，gamins。It’sstupidtoletoldpeoplestrayofflikethat。Comenow！wemusthaveasnoozeallthesame。"
　　However，heaskedthemnoquestions。Whatwasmoresimplethanthattheyshouldhavenodwellingplace！
　　Theelderofthetwochildren，whohadalmostentirelyrecoveredthepromptheedlessnessofchildhood，utteredthisexclamation:——
　　"It’squeer，allthesame。MammatoldusthatshewouldtakeustogetablessedsprayonPalmSunday。"
　　"Bosh，"saidGavroche。
　　"Mamma，"resumedtheelder，"isaladywholiveswithMamselleMiss。"
　　"Tanflute！"retortedGavroche。
　　Meanwhilehehadhalted，andforthelasttwominuteshehadbeenfeelingandfumblinginallsortsofnookswhichhisragscontained。
　　Atlasthetossedhisheadwithanairintendedtobemerelysatisfied，butwhichwastriumphant，inreality。
　　"Letusbecalm，young’uns。Here’ssupperforthree。"
　　Andfromoneofhispocketshedrewforthasou。
　　Withoutallowingthetwourchinstimeforamazement，hepushedbothofthembeforehimintothebaker’sshop，andflunghissouonthecounter，crying:——
　　"Boy！fivecentimes’worthofbread。"
　　Thebaker，whowastheproprietorinperson，tookupaloafandaknife。
　　"Inthreepieces，myboy！"wentonGavroche。
　　Andheaddedwithdignity:——
　　"Therearethreeofus。"
　　Andseeingthatthebaker，afterscrutinizingthethreecustomers，hadtakendownablackloaf，hethrusthisfingerfaruphisnosewithaninhalationasimperiousasthoughhehadhadapinchofthegreatFrederick’ssnuffonthetipofhisthumb，andhurledthisindignantapostrophefullinthebaker’sface:——
　　"Keksekca？"
　　ThoseofourreaderswhomightbetemptedtoespyinthisinterpellationofGavroche’stothebakeraRussianoraPolishword，oroneofthosesavagecrieswhichtheYowaysandtheBotocudoshurlateachotherfrombanktobankofariver，athwartthesolitudes，arewarnedthatitisawordwhichthey[ourreaders]uttereveryday，andwhichtakestheplaceofthephrase:"Qu’est—cequec’estquecela？"Thebakerunderstoodperfectly，andreplied:——
　　"Well！It’sbread，andverygoodbreadofthesecondquality。"
　　"Youmeanlartonbrutal[blackbread]！"retortedGavroche，calmlyandcoldlydisdainful。"Whitebread，boy！whitebread[lartonsavonne]！I’mstandingtreat。"
　　Thebakercouldnotrepressasmile，andashecutthewhitebreadhesurveyedtheminacompassionatewaywhichshockedGavroche。
　　"Come，now，baker’sboy！"saidhe，"whatareyoutakingourmeasurelikethatfor？"
　　Allthreeofthemplacedendtoendwouldhavehardlymadeameasure。
　　Whenthebreadwascut，thebakerthrewthesouintohisdrawer，andGavrochesaidtothetwochildren:——
　　"Grubaway。"
　　Thelittleboysstaredathiminsurprise。
　　Gavrochebegantolaugh。
　　"Ah！hullo，that’sso！theydon’tunderstandyet，they’retoosmall。"
　　Andherepeated:——
　　"Eataway。"
　　Atthesametime，heheldoutapieceofbreadtoeachofthem。
　　Andthinkingthattheelder，whoseemedtohimthemoreworthyofhisconversation，deservedsomespecialencouragementandoughttoberelievedfromallhesitationtosatisfyhisappetite，headded，asbehandedhimthelargestshare:——
　　"Ramthatintoyourmuzzle。"
　　Onepiecewassmallerthantheothers；hekeptthisforhimself。
　　Thepoorchildren，includingGavroche，werefamished。
　　Astheytoretheirbreadapartinbigmouthfuls，theyblockeduptheshopofthebaker，who，nowthattheyhadpaidtheirmoney，lookedangrilyatthem。
　　"Let’sgointothestreetagain，"saidGavroche。
　　TheysetoffoncemoreinthedirectionoftheBastille。
　　Fromtimetotime，astheypassedthelightedshop—windows，thesmallesthaltedtolookatthetimeonaleadenwatchwhichwassuspendedfromhisneckbyacord。
　　"Well，heisaverygreen’un，"saidGavroche。
　　Then，becomingthoughtful，hemutteredbetweenhisteeth:——
　　"Allthesame，ifIhadchargeofthebabesI’dlock’emupbetterthanthat。"
　　Justastheywerefinishingtheirmorselofbread，andhadreachedtheangleofthatgloomyRuedesBallets，attheotherendofwhichthelowandthreateningwicketofLaForcewasvisible:——
　　"Hullo，isthatyou，Gavroche？"saidsomeone。