Youcanimaginewhetherthissurprisedme，whenIthoughtthatI
　　hadthatsameJeanValjeanhere。Iwritetotheexaminingjudge；
　　hesendsforme；Champmathieuisconductedtome——"
　　[4]Anex—convict。
　　"Well？"interposedM。Madeleine。
　　Javertreplied，hisfaceincorruptible，andasmelancholyasever:——
　　"Mr。Mayor，thetruthisthetruth。Iamsorry；butthatmanisJeanValjean。Irecognizedhimalso。"
　　M。Madeleineresumedin，averylowvoice:——
　　"Youaresure？"
　　Javertbegantolaugh，withthatmournfullaughwhichcomesfromprofoundconviction。
　　"O！Sure！"
　　Hestoodtherethoughtfullyforamoment，mechanicallytakingpinchesofpowderedwoodforblottinginkfromthewoodenbowlwhichstoodonthetable，andheadded:——
　　"AndevennowthatIhaveseentherealJeanValjean，IdonotseehowIcouldhavethoughtotherwise。Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Mayor。"
　　Javert，asheaddressedthesegraveandsupplicatingwordstotheman，whosixweeksbeforehadhumiliatedhiminthepresenceofthewholestation—house，andbadehim"leavetheroom，"——Javert，thathaughtyman，wasunconsciouslyfullofsimplicityanddignity，——M。Madeleinemadenootherreplytohisprayerthantheabruptquestion:——
　　"Andwhatdoesthismansay？"
　　"Ah！Indeed，Mr。Mayor，it’sabadbusiness。IfheisJeanValjean，hehashispreviousconvictionagainsthim。Toclimbawall，tobreakabranch，topurloinapples，isamischievoustrickinachild；
　　foramanitisamisdemeanor；foraconvictitisacrime。
　　Robbingandhousebreaking——itisallthere。Itisnolongeraquestionofcorrectionalpolice；itisamatterfortheCourtofAssizes。
　　Itisnolongeramatterofafewdaysinprison；itisthegalleysforlife。Andthen，thereistheaffairwiththelittleSavoyard，whowillreturn，Ihope。Thedeuce！thereisplentytodisputeinthematter，istherenot？Yes，foranyonebutJeanValjean。
　　ButJeanValjeanisaslydog。ThatisthewayIrecognizedhim。
　　Anyothermanwouldhavefeltthatthingsweregettinghotforhim；
　　hewouldstruggle，hewouldcryout——thekettlesingsbeforethefire；
　　hewouldnotbeJeanValjean，etcetera。Buthehasnottheappearanceofunderstanding；hesays，`IamChampmathieu，andIwon’tdepartfromthat！’Hehasanastonishedair，hepretendstobestupid；
　　itisfarbetter。Oh！therogueisclever！Butitmakesnodifference。
　　Theproofsarethere。Hehasbeenrecognizedbyfourpersons；
　　theoldscampwillbecondemned。ThecasehasbeentakentotheAssizesatArras。Ishallgotheretogivemytestimony。Ihavebeensummoned。"
　　M。Madeleinehadturnedtohisdeskagain，andtakenuphisdocket，andwasturningovertheleavestranquilly，readingandwritingbyturns，likeabusyman。HeturnedtoJavert:——
　　"Thatwilldo，Javert。Intruth，allthesedetailsinterestmebutlittle。Wearewastingourtime，andwehavepressingbusinessonhand。Javert，youwillbetakeyourselfatoncetothehouseofthewomanBuseaupied，whosellsherbsatthecorneroftheRueSaint—Saulve。YouwilltellherthatshemustenterhercomplaintagainstcarterPierreChesnelong。Themanisabrute，whocamenearcrushingthiswomanandherchild。Hemustbepunished。YouwillthengotoM。Charcellay，RueMontre—de—Champigny。Hecomplainedthatthereisagutterontheadjoininghousewhichdischargesrain—wateronhispremises，andisunderminingthefoundationsofhishouse。
　　Afterthat，youwillverifytheinfractionsofpoliceregulationswhichhavebeenreportedtomeintheRueGuibourg，atWidowDoris’s，andRueduGarraud—Blanc，atMadameReneeleBosse’s，andyouwillpreparedocuments。ButIamgivingyouagreatdealofwork。
　　Areyounottobeabsent？DidyounottellmethatyouweregoingtoArrasonthatmatterinaweekortendays？"
　　"Soonerthanthat，Mr。Mayor。"
　　"Onwhatday，then？"
　　"Why，IthoughtthatIhadsaidtoMonsieurleMairethatthecasewastobetriedto—morrow，andthatIamtosetoutbydiligenceto—night。"
　　M。Madeleinemadeanimperceptiblemovement。
　　"Andhowlongwillthecaselast？"
　　"Oneday，atthemost。Thejudgmentwillbepronouncedto—morroweveningatlatest。ButIshallnotwaitforthesentence，whichiscertain；
　　Ishallreturnhereassoonasmydepositionhasbeentaken。"
　　"Thatiswell，"saidM。Madeleine。
　　AndhedismissedJavertwithawaveofthehand。
　　Javertdidnotwithdraw。
　　"Excuseme，Mr。Mayor，"saidhe。
　　"Whatisitnow？"demandedM。Madeleine。
　　"Mr。Mayor，thereisstillsomethingofwhichImustremindyou。"
　　"Whatisit？"
　　"ThatImustbedismissed。"
　　M。Madeleinerose。
　　"Javert，youareamanofhonor，andIesteemyou。Youexaggerateyourfault。Moreover，thisisanoffencewhichconcernsme。
　　Javert，youdeservepromotioninsteadofdegradation。Iwishyoutoretainyourpost。"
　　JavertgazedatM。Madeleinewithhiscandideyes，inwhosedepthshisnotveryenlightenedbutpureandrigidconscienceseemedvisible，andsaidinatranquilvoice:——
　　"Mr。Mayor，Icannotgrantyouthat。"
　　"Irepeat，"repliedM。Madeleine，"thatthematterconcernsme。"
　　ButJavert，heedinghisownthoughtonly，continued:——
　　"Sofarasexaggerationisconcerned，Iamnotexaggerating。ThisisthewayIreason:Ihavesuspectedyouunjustly。Thatisnothing。
　　Itisourrighttocherishsuspicion，althoughsuspiciondirectedaboveourselvesisanabuse。Butwithoutproofs，inafitofrage，withtheobjectofwreakingmyvengeance，Ihavedenouncedyouasaconvict，you，arespectableman，amayor，amagistrate！
　　Thatisserious，veryserious。Ihaveinsultedauthorityinyourperson，I，anagentoftheauthorities！IfoneofmysubordinateshaddonewhatIhavedone，Ishouldhavedeclaredhimunworthyoftheservice，andhaveexpelledhim。Well？Stop，Mr。Mayor；onewordmore。
　　Ihaveoftenbeensevereinthecourseofmylifetowardsothers。
　　Thatisjust。Ihavedonewell。Now，ifIwerenotseveretowardsmyself，allthejusticethatIhavedonewouldbecomeinjustice。
　　OughtItosparemyselfmorethanothers？No！What！Ishouldbegoodfornothingbuttochastiseothers，andnotmyself！Why，Ishouldbeablackguard！Thosewhosay，`ThatblackguardofaJavert！’
　　wouldbeintheright。Mr。Mayor，Idonotdesirethatyoushouldtreatmekindly；yourkindnessrousedsufficientbadbloodinmewhenitwasdirectedtoothers。Iwantnoneofitformyself。
　　Thekindnesswhichconsistsinupholdingawomanofthetownagainstacitizen，thepoliceagentagainstthemayor，themanwhoisdownagainstthemanwhoisupintheworld，iswhatIcallfalsekindness。
　　Thatisthesortofkindnesswhichdisorganizessociety。GoodGod！
　　itisveryeasytobekind；thedifficultyliesinbeingjust。
　　Come！ifyouhadbeenwhatIthoughtyou，Ishouldnothavebeenkindtoyou，notI！Youwouldhaveseen！Mr。Mayor，ImusttreatmyselfasIwouldtreatanyotherman。WhenIhavesubduedmalefactors，whenIhaveproceededwithvigoragainstrascals，Ihaveoftensaidtomyself，`Ifyouflinch，ifIevercatchyouinfault，youmayrestatyourease！’Ihaveflinched，Ihavecaughtmyselfinafault。
　　Somuchtheworse！Come，discharged，cashiered，expelled！Thatiswell。
　　Ihavearms。Iwilltillthesoil；itmakesnodifferencetome。
　　Mr。Mayor，thegoodoftheservicedemandsanexample。IsimplyrequirethedischargeofInspectorJavert。"
　　Allthiswasutteredinaproud，humble，despairing，yetconvincedtone，whichlentindescribablegrandeurtothissingular，honestman。
　　"Weshallsee，"saidM。Madeleine。
　　Andheofferedhimhishand。
　　Javertrecoiled，andsaidinawildvoice:——
　　"Excuseme，Mr。Mayor，butthismustnotbe。Amayordoesnotofferhishandtoapolicespy。"
　　Headdedbetweenhisteeth:——
　　"Apolicespy，yes；fromthemomentwhenIhavemisusedthepolice。
　　Iamnomorethanapolicespy。"
　　Thenhebowedprofoundly，anddirectedhisstepstowardsthedoor。
　　Therehewheeledround，andwitheyesstilldowncast:——
　　"Mr。Mayor，"hesaid，"IshallcontinuetoserveuntilIamsuperseded。"
　　Hewithdrew。M。Madeleineremainedthoughtfullylisteningtothefirm，surestep，whichdiedawayonthepavementofthecorridor。
　　BOOKSEVENTH。——THECHAMPMATHIEUAFFAIR
　　CHAPTERI
　　SISTERSIMPLICE
　　TheincidentsthereaderisabouttoperusewerenotallknownatM。surM。Butthesmallportionofthemwhichbecameknownleftsuchamemoryinthattownthataseriousgapwouldexistinthisbookifwedidnotnarratethemintheirmostminutedetails。
　　Amongthesedetailsthereaderwillencountertwoorthreeimprobablecircumstances，whichwepreserveoutofrespectforthetruth。
　　OntheafternoonfollowingthevisitofJavert，M。MadeleinewenttoseeFantineaccordingtohiswont。
　　BeforeenteringFantine’sroom，hehadSisterSimplicesummoned。
　　Thetwonunswhoperformedtheservicesofnurseintheinfirmary，Lazaristeladies，likeallsistersofcharity，borethenamesofSisterPerpetueandSisterSimplice。
　　SisterPerpetuewasanordinaryvillager，asisterofcharityinacoarsestyle，whohadenteredtheserviceofGodasoneentersanyotherservice。Shewasanunasotherwomenarecooks。
　　Thistypeisnotsoveryrare。Themonasticordersgladlyacceptthisheavypeasantearthenware，whichiseasilyfashionedintoaCapuchinoranUrsuline。Theserusticsareutilizedfortheroughworkofdevotion。ThetransitionfromadrovertoaCarmeliteisnotintheleastviolent；theoneturnsintotheotherwithoutmucheffort；
　　thefundofignorancecommontothevillageandthecloisterisapreparationreadyathand，andplacesthebooratonceonthesamefootingasthemonk:alittlemoreamplitudeinthesmock，anditbecomesafrock。SisterPerpetuewasarobustnunfromMarinesnearPontoise，whochatteredherpatois，droned，grumbled，sugaredthepotionaccordingtothebigotryorthehypocrisyoftheinvalid，treatedherpatientsabruptly，roughly，wascrabbedwiththedying，almostflungGodintheirfaces，stonedtheirdeathagonywithprayersmumbledinarage；wasbold，honest，andruddy。
　　SisterSimplicewaswhite，withawaxenpallor。BesideSisterPerpetue，shewasthetaperbesidethecandle。VincentdePaulhasdivinelytracedthefeaturesoftheSisterofCharityintheseadmirablewords，inwhichheminglesasmuchfreedomasservitude:"Theyshallhavefortheirconventonlythehouseofthesick；forcellonlyahiredroom；
　　forchapelonlytheirparishchurch；forcloisteronlythestreetsofthetownandthewardsofthehospitals；forenclosureonlyobedience；
　　forgratingsonlythefearofGod；forveilonlymodesty。"ThisidealwasrealizedinthelivingpersonofSisterSimplice:shehadneverbeenyoung，anditseemedasthoughshewouldnevergrowold。
　　NoonecouldhavetoldSisterSimplice’sage。Shewasaperson——
　　wedarenotsayawoman——whowasgentle，austere，well—bred，cold，andwhohadneverlied。Shewassogentlethatsheappearedfragile；
　　butshewasmoresolidthangranite。Shetouchedtheunhappywithfingersthatwerecharminglypureandfine。Therewas，sotospeak，silenceinherspeech；shesaidjustwhatwasnecessary，andshepossessedatoneofvoicewhichwouldhaveequallyedifiedaconfessionalorenchantedadrawing—room。Thisdelicacyaccommodateditselftothesergegown，findinginthisharshcontactacontinualreminderofheavenandofGod。Letusemphasizeonedetail。
　　Nevertohavelied，nevertohavesaid，foranyinterestwhatever，eveninindifference，anysinglethingwhichwasnotthetruth，thesacredtruth，wasSisterSimplice’sdistinctivetrait；
　　itwastheaccentofhervirtue。Shewasalmostrenownedinthecongregationforthisimperturbableveracity。TheAbbeSicardspeaksofSisterSimpliceinalettertothedeaf—muteMassieu。
　　Howeverpureandsincerewemaybe，weallbearuponourcandorthecrackofthelittle，innocentlie。Shedidnot。Littlelie，innocentlie——doessuchathingexist？Tolieistheabsoluteformofevil。Toliealittleisnotpossible:hewholies，liesthewholelie。Tolieistheveryfaceofthedemon。Satanhastwonames；heiscalledSatanandLying。Thatiswhatshethought；
　　andasshethought，soshedid。Theresultwasthewhitenesswhichwehavementioned——awhitenesswhichcoveredevenherlipsandhereyeswithradiance。Hersmilewaswhite，herglancewaswhite。
　　Therewasnotasinglespider’sweb，notagrainofdust，ontheglasswindowofthatconscience。OnenteringtheorderofSaintVincentdePaul，shehadtakenthenameofSimplicebyspecialchoice。
　　SimpliceofSicily，asweknow，isthesaintwhopreferredtoallowbothherbreaststobetornoffratherthantosaythatshehadbeenbornatSegestawhenshehadbeenbornatSyracuse——
　　aliewhichwouldhavesavedher。Thispatronsaintsuitedthissoul。
　　SisterSimplice，onherentranceintotheorder，hadhadtwofaultswhichshehadgraduallycorrected:shehadatastefordainties，andshelikedtoreceiveletters。SheneverreadanythingbutabookofprayersprintedinLatin，incoarsetype。
　　ShedidnotunderstandLatin，butsheunderstoodthebook。
　　ThispiouswomanhadconceivedanaffectionforFantine，probablyfeelingalatentvirtuethere，andshehaddevotedherselfalmostexclusivelytohercare。
　　M。MadeleinetookSisterSimpliceapartandrecommendedFantinetoherinasingulartone，whichthesisterrecalledlateron。
　　Onleavingthesister，heapproachedFantine。
　　FantineawaitedM。Madeleine’sappearanceeverydayasoneawaitsarayofwarmthandjoy。Shesaidtothesisters，"IonlylivewhenMonsieurleMaireishere。"
　　Shehadagreatdealoffeverthatday。AssoonasshesawM。Madeleinesheaskedhim:——
　　"AndCosette？"
　　Herepliedwithasmile:——
　　"Soon。"
　　M。MadeleinewasthesameasusualwithFantine。Onlyheremainedanhourinsteadofhalfanhour，toFantine’sgreatdelight。
　　Heurgedeveryonerepeatedlynottoallowtheinvalidtowantforanything。Itwasnoticedthattherewasamomentwhenhiscountenancebecameverysombre。Butthiswasexplainedwhenitbecameknownthatthedoctorhadbentdowntohisearandsaidtohim，"Sheislosinggroundfast。"
　　Thenhereturnedtothetown—hall，andtheclerkobservedhimattentivelyexaminingaroadmapofFrancewhichhunginhisstudy。
　　Hewroteafewfiguresonabitofpaperwithapencil。
　　CHAPTERII
　　THEPERSPICACITYOFMASTERSCAUFFLAIRE
　　Fromthetown—hallhebetookhimselftotheextremityofthetown，toaFlemingnamedMasterScaufflaer，FrenchScaufflaire，wholetout"horsesandcabrioletsasdesired。"
　　InordertoreachthisScaufflaire，theshortestwaywastotakethelittle—frequentedstreetinwhichwassituatedtheparsonageoftheparishinwhichM。Madeleineresided。Thecurewas，itwassaid，aworthy，respectable，andsensibleman。AtthemomentwhenM。Madeleinearrivedinfrontoftheparsonagetherewasbutonepasser—byinthestreet，andthispersonnoticedthis:Afterthemayorhadpassedthepriest’shousehehalted，stoodmotionless，thenturnedabout，andretracedhisstepstothedooroftheparsonage，whichhadanironknocker。Helaidhishandquicklyontheknockerandliftedit；thenhepausedagainandstoppedshort，asthoughinthought，andafterthelapseofafewseconds，insteadofallowingtheknockertofallabruptly，heplaceditgently，andresumedhiswaywithasortofhastewhichhadnotbeenapparentpreviously。
　　M。MadeleinefoundMasterScaufflaireathome，engagedinstitchingaharnessover。
　　"MasterScaufflaire，"heinquired，"haveyouagoodhorse？"
　　"Mr。Mayor，"saidtheFleming，"allmyhorsesaregood。Whatdoyoumeanbyagoodhorse？"
　　"Imeanahorsewhichcantraveltwentyleaguesinaday。"
　　"Thedeuce！"saidtheFleming。"Twentyleagues！"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Hitchedtoacabriolet？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Andhowlongcanherestattheendofhisjourney？"
　　"Hemustbeabletosetoutagainonthenextdayifnecessary。"
　　"Totraversethesameroad？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Thedeuce！thedeuce！Anditistwentyleagues？"
　　M。Madeleinedrewfromhispocketthepaperonwhichhehadpencilledsomefigures。HeshowedittotheFleming。Thefigureswere5，6，81/2。
　　"Yousee，"hesaid，"total，nineteenandahalf；aswellsaytwentyleagues。"
　　"Mr。Mayor，"returnedtheFleming，"Ihavejustwhatyouwant。
　　Mylittlewhitehorse——youmayhaveseenhimpassoccasionally；
　　heisasmallbeastfromLowerBoulonnais。Heisfulloffire。
　　Theywantedtomakeasaddle—horseofhimatfirst。Bah！Hereared，hekicked，helaideverybodyflatontheground。Hewasthoughttobevicious，andnooneknewwhattodowithhim。Iboughthim。
　　Iharnessedhimtoacarriage。Thatiswhathewanted，sir；heisasgentleasagirl；hegoeslikethewind。Ah！indeedhemustnotbemounted。Itdoesnotsuithisideastobeasaddle—horse。Everyonehashisambition。`Draw？Yes。Carry？No。’Wemustsupposethatiswhathesaidtohimself。"
　　"Andhewillaccomplishthetrip？"
　　"Yourtwentyleaguesallatafulltrot，andinlessthaneighthours。
　　Butherearetheconditions。"
　　"Statethem。"
　　"Inthefirstplace。youwillgivehimhalfanhour’sbreathingspellmidwayoftheroad；hewilleat；andsomeonemustbebywhileheiseatingtopreventthestableboyoftheinnfromstealinghisoats；forIhavenoticedthatininnstheoatsaremoreoftendrunkbythestablementhaneatenbythehorses。"
　　"Someonewillbeby。"
　　"Inthesecondplace——isthecabrioletforMonsieurleMaire？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"DoesMonsieurleMaireknowhowtodrive？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Well，MonsieurleMairewilltravelaloneandwithoutbaggage，inordernottooverloadthehorse？"
　　"Agreed。"
　　"ButasMonsieurleMairewillhavenoonewithhim，hewillbeobligedtotakethetroublehimselfofseeingthattheoatsarenotstolen。"
　　"Thatisunderstood。"
　　"Iamtohavethirtyfrancsaday。Thedaysofresttobepaidforalso——notafarthingless；andthebeast’sfoodtobeatMonsieurleMaire’sexpense。"
　　M。Madeleinedrewthreenapoleonsfromhispurseandlaidthemonthetable。
　　"Hereisthepayfortwodaysinadvance。"
　　"Fourthly，forsuchajourneyacabrioletwouldbetooheavy，andwouldfatiguethehorse。MonsieurleMairemustconsenttotravelinalittletilburythatIown。"
　　"Iconsenttothat。"
　　"Itislight，butithasnocover。"
　　"Thatmakesnodifferencetome。"
　　"HasMonsieurleMairereflectedthatweareinthemiddleofwinter？"
　　M。Madeleinedidnotreply。TheFlemingresumed:——
　　"Thatitisverycold？"
　　M。Madeleinepreservedsilence。
　　MasterScaufflairecontinued:——
　　"Thatitmayrain？"
　　M。Madeleineraisedhisheadandsaid:——
　　"Thetilburyandthehorsewillbeinfrontofmydoorto—morrowmorningathalf—pastfouro’clock。"
　　"Ofcourse，MonsieurleMaire，"repliedScaufflaire；then，scratchingaspeckinthewoodofthetablewithhisthumb—nail，heresumedwiththatcarelessairwhichtheFlemingsunderstandsowellhowtominglewiththeirshrewdness:——
　　"ButthisiswhatIamthinkingofnow:MonsieurleMairehasnottoldmewhereheisgoing。WhereisMonsieurleMairegoing？"
　　Hehadbeenthinkingofnothingelsesincethebeginningoftheconversation，buthedidnotknowwhyhehadnotdaredtoputthequestion。
　　"Areyourhorse’sforelegsgood？"saidM。Madeleine。
　　"Yes，MonsieurleMaire。Youmustholdhiminalittlewhengoingdownhill。Aretheremanydescendsbetweenhereandtheplacewhitheryouaregoing？"
　　"Donotforgettobeatmydooratpreciselyhalf—pastfouro’clockto—morrowmorning，"repliedM。Madeleine；andhetookhisdeparture。
　　TheFlemingremained"utterlystupid，"ashehimselfsaidsometimeafterwards。
　　Themayorhadbeengonetwoorthreeminuteswhenthedooropenedagain；
　　itwasthemayoroncemore。
　　Hestillworethesameimpassiveandpreoccupiedair。
　　"MonsieurScaufflaire，"saidhe，"atwhatsumdoyouestimatethevalueofthehorseandtilburywhichyouaretolettome，——
　　theonebearingtheother？"
　　"Theonedraggingtheother，MonsieurleMaire，"saidtheFleming，withabroadsmile。
　　"Sobeit。Well？"
　　"DoesMonsieurleMairewishtopurchasethemorme？"
　　"No；butIwishtoguaranteeyouinanycase。Youshallgivemebackthesumatmyreturn。Atwhatvaluedoyouestimateyourhorseandcabriolet？"
　　"Fivehundredfrancs，MonsieurleMaire。"
　　"Hereitis。"
　　M。Madeleinelaidabank—billonthetable，thenlefttheroom；
　　andthistimehedidnotreturn。
　　MasterScaufflaireexperiencedafrightfulregretthathehadnotsaidathousandfrancs。Besidesthehorseandtilburytogetherwereworthbutahundredcrowns。
　　TheFlemingcalledhiswife，andrelatedtheaffairtoher。
　　"WherethedevilcouldMonsieurleMairebegoing？"Theyheldcounseltogether。"HeisgoingtoParis，"saidthewife。"Idon’tbelieveit，"saidthehusband。
　　M。Madeleinehadforgottenthepaperwiththefiguresonit，anditlayonthechimney—piece。TheFlemingpickeditupandstudiedit。
　　"Five，six，eightandahalf？Thatmustdesignatethepostingrelays。"
　　Heturnedtohiswife:——
　　"Ihavefoundout。"
　　"What？"
　　"ItisfiveleaguesfromheretoHesdin，sixfromHesdintoSaint—Pol，eightandahalffromSaint—PoltoArras。HeisgoingtoArras。"
　　Meanwhile，M。Madeleinehadreturnedhome。HehadtakenthelongestwaytoreturnfromMasterScaufflaire’s，asthoughtheparsonagedoorhadbeenatemptationforhim，andhehadwishedtoavoidit。Heascendedtohisroom，andthereheshuthimselfup，whichwasaverysimpleact，sincehelikedtogotobedearly。Nevertheless，theportressofthefactory，whowas，atthesametime，M。Madeleine’sonlyservant，noticedthatthelatter’slightwasextinguishedathalf—pasteight，andshementionedittothecashierwhenhecamehome，adding:——
　　"IsMonsieurleMaireill？Ithoughthehadarathersingularair。"
　　ThiscashieroccupiedaroomsituateddirectlyunderM。Madeleine’schamber。Hepaidnoheedtotheportress’swords，butwenttobedandtosleep。Towardsmidnighthewokeupwithastart；
　　inhissleephehadheardanoiseabovehishead。Helistened；
　　itwasafootsteppacingbackandforth，asthoughsomeonewerewalkingintheroomabovehim。Helistenedmoreattentively，andrecognizedM。Madeleine’sstep。Thisstruckhimasstrange；
　　usually，therewasnonoiseinM。Madeleine’schamberuntilheroseinthemorning。Amomentlaterthecashierheardanoisewhichresembledthatofacupboardbeingopened，andthenshutagain；
　　thenapieceoffurniturewasdisarranged；thenapauseensued；
　　thenthestepbeganagain。Thecashiersatupinbed，quiteawakenow，andstaring；andthroughhiswindow—paneshesawthereddishgleamofalightedwindowreflectedontheoppositewall；
　　fromthedirectionoftherays，itcouldonlycomefromthewindowofM。Madeleine’schamber。Thereflectionwavered，asthoughitcameratherfromafirewhichhadbeenlightedthanfromacandle。
　　Theshadowofthewindow—framewasnotshown，whichindicatedthatthewindowwaswideopen。Thefactthatthiswindowwasopeninsuchcoldweatherwassurprising。Thecashierfellasleepagain。
　　Anhourortwolaterhewakedagain。Thesamestepwasstillpassingslowlyandregularlybackandforthoverhead。
　　Thereflectionwasstillvisibleonthewall，butnowitwaspaleandpeaceful，likethereflectionofalamporofacandle。
　　Thewindowwasstillopen。
　　ThisiswhathadtakenplaceinM。Madeleine’sroom。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　ATEMPESTINASKULL
　　Thereaderhas，nodoubt，alreadydivinedthatM。MadeleineisnootherthanJeanValjean。
　　Wehavealreadygazedintothedepthsofthisconscience；
　　themomenthasnowcomewhenwemusttakeanotherlookintoit。
　　Wedosonotwithoutemotionandtrepidation。Thereisnothingmoreterribleinexistencethanthissortofcontemplation。
　　Theeyeofthespiritcannowherefindmoredazzlingbrillianceandmoreshadowthaninman；itcanfixitselfonnootherthingwhichismoreformidable，morecomplicated，moremysterious，andmoreinfinite。Thereisaspectaclemoregrandthanthesea；
　　itisheaven:thereisaspectaclemoregrandthanheaven；itistheinmostrecessesofthesoul。
　　Tomakethepoemofthehumanconscience，wereitonlywithreferencetoasingleman，wereitonlyinconnectionwiththebasestofmen，wouldbetoblendallepicsintoonesuperioranddefinitiveepic。
　　Conscienceisthechaosofchimeras，oflusts，andoftemptations；
　　thefurnaceofdreams；thelairofideasofwhichweareashamed；
　　itisthepandemoniumofsophisms；itisthebattlefieldofthepassions。
　　Penetrate，atcertainhours，pastthelividfaceofahumanbeingwhoisengagedinreflection，andlookbehind，gazeintothatsoul，gazeintothatobscurity。There，beneaththatexternalsilence，battlesofgiants，likethoserecordedinHomer，areinprogress；
　　skirmishesofdragonsandhydrasandswarmsofphantoms，asinMilton；
　　visionarycircles，asinDante。Whatasolemnthingisthisinfinitywhicheverymanbearswithinhim，andwhichhemeasureswithdespairagainstthecapricesofhisbrainandtheactionsofhislife！
　　Alighierionedaymetwithasinister—lookingdoor，beforewhichhehesitated。Hereisonebeforeus，uponwhosethresholdwehesitate。
　　Letusenter，nevertheless。
　　WehavebutlittletoaddtowhatthereaderalreadyknowsofwhathadhappenedtoJeanValjeanaftertheadventurewithLittleGervais。
　　Fromthatmomentforthhewas，aswehaveseen，atotallydifferentman。
　　WhattheBishophadwishedtomakeofhim，thathecarriedout。
　　Itwasmorethanatransformation；itwasatransfiguration。
　　Hesucceededindisappearing，soldtheBishop’ssilver，reservingonlythecandlesticksasasouvenir，creptfromtowntotown，traversedFrance，cametoM。surM。，conceivedtheideawhichwehavementioned，accomplishedwhatwehaverelated，succeededinrenderinghimselfsafefromseizureandinaccessible，and，thenceforth，establishedatM。surM。，happyinfeelinghisconsciencesaddenedbythepastandthefirsthalfofhisexistencebeliedbythelast，helivedinpeace，reassuredandhopeful，havinghenceforthonlytwothoughts，——toconcealhisnameandtosanctifyhislife；toescapemenandtoreturntoGod。
　　Thesetwothoughtsweresocloselyintertwinedinhismindthattheyformedbutasingleonethere；bothwereequallyabsorbingandimperativeandruledhisslightestactions。Ingeneral，theyconspiredtoregulatetheconductofhislife；theyturnedhimtowardsthegloom；theyrenderedhimkindlyandsimple；
　　theycounselledhimtothesamethings。Sometimes，however，theyconflicted。Inthatcase，asthereaderwillremember，themanwhomallthecountryofM。surM。calledM。Madeleinedidnothesitatetosacrificethefirsttothesecond——hissecuritytohisvirtue。Thus，inspiteofallhisreserveandallhisprudence，hehadpreservedtheBishop’scandlesticks，wornmourningforhim，summonedandinterrogatedallthelittleSavoyardswhopassedthatway，collectedinformationregardingthefamiliesatFaverolles，andsavedoldFauchelevent’slife，despitethedisquietinginsinuationsofJavert。Itseemed，aswehavealreadyremarked，asthoughhethought，followingtheexampleofallthosewhohavebeenwise，holy，andjust，thathisfirstdutywasnottowardshimself。
　　Atthesametime，itmustbeconfessed，nothingjustlikethishadyetpresenteditself。
　　Neverhadthetwoideaswhichgovernedtheunhappymanwhosesufferingswearenarrating，engagedinsoseriousastruggle。
　　HeunderstoodthisconfusedlybutprofoundlyattheveryfirstwordspronouncedbyJavert，whenthelatterenteredhisstudy。Atthemomentwhenthatname，whichhehadburiedbeneathsomanylayers，wassostrangelyarticulated，hewasstruckwithstupor，andasthoughintoxicatedwiththesinistereccentricityofhisdestiny；
　　andthroughthisstuporhefeltthatshudderwhichprecedesgreatshocks。Hebentlikeanoakattheapproachofastorm，likeasoldierattheapproachofanassault。Hefeltshadowsfilledwiththundersandlightningsdescendinguponhishead。
　　AshelistenedtoJavert，thefirstthoughtwhichoccurredtohimwastogo，torunanddenouncehimself，totakethatChampmathieuoutofprisonandplacehimselfthere；thiswasaspainfulandaspoignantasanincisioninthelivingflesh。Thenitpassedaway，andhesaidtohimself，"Wewillsee！Wewillsee！"Herepressedthisfirst，generousinstinct，andrecoiledbeforeheroism。
　　Itwouldbebeautiful，nodoubt，aftertheBishop’sholywords，aftersomanyyearsofrepentanceandabnegation，inthemidstofapenitenceadmirablybegun，ifthismanhadnotflinchedforaninstant，eveninthepresenceofsoterribleaconjecture，buthadcontinuedtowalkwiththesamesteptowardsthisyawningprecipice，atthebottomofwhichlayheaven；thatwouldhavebeenbeautiful；
　　butitwasnotthus。Wemustrenderanaccountofthethingswhichwentoninthissoul，andwecanonlytellwhattherewasthere。
　　Hewascarriedaway，atfirst，bytheinstinctofself—preservation；
　　heralliedallhisideasinhaste，stifledhisemotions，tookintoconsiderationJavert’spresence，thatgreatdanger，postponedalldecisionwiththefirmnessofterror，shookoffthoughtastowhathehadtodo，andresumedhiscalmnessasawarriorpicksuphisbuckler。
　　Heremainedinthisstateduringtherestoftheday，awhirlwindwithin，aprofoundtranquillitywithout。Hetookno"preservativemeasures，"
　　astheymaybecalled。Everythingwasstillconfused，andjostlingtogetherinhisbrain。Histroublewassogreatthathecouldnotperceivetheformofasingleideadistinctly，andhecouldhavetoldnothingabouthimself，exceptthathehadreceivedagreatblow。
　　HerepairedtoFantine’sbedofsuffering，asusual，andprolongedhisvisit，throughakindlyinstinct，tellinghimselfthathemustbehavethus，andrecommendherwelltothesisters，incaseheshouldbeobligedtobeabsenthimself。HehadavaguefeelingthathemightbeobligedtogotoArras；andwithouthavingtheleastintheworldmadeuphismindtothistrip，hesaidtohimselfthatbeing，ashewas，beyondtheshadowofanysuspicion，therecouldbenothingoutofthewayinbeingawitnesstowhatwastotakeplace，andheengagedthetilburyfromScaufflaireinordertobepreparedinanyevent。
　　Hedinedwithagooddealofappetite。
　　Onreturningtohisroom，hecommunedwithhimself。
　　Heexaminedthesituation，andfounditunprecedented；
　　sounprecedentedthatinthemidstofhisreveryherosefromhischair，movedbysomeinexplicableimpulseofanxiety，andboltedhisdoor。Hefearedlestsomethingmoreshouldenter。
　　Hewasbarricadinghimselfagainstpossibilities。
　　Amomentlaterheextinguishedhislight；itembarrassedhim。
　　ltseemedtohimasthoughhemightbeseen。
　　Bywhom？
　　Alas！Thatonwhichhedesiredtoclosethedoorhadalreadyentered；
　　thatwhichhedesiredtoblindwasstaringhimintheface，——
　　hisconscience。
　　Hisconscience；thatistosay，God。
　　Nevertheless，hedeludedhimselfatfirst；hehadafeelingofsecurityandofsolitude；theboltoncedrawn，hethoughthimselfimpregnable；
　　thecandleextinguished，hefelthimselfinvisible。Thenhetookpossessionofhimself:hesethiselbowsonthetable，leanedhisheadonhishand，andbegantomeditateinthedark。
　　"WheredoIstand？AmnotIdreaming？WhathaveIheard？IsitreallytruethatIhaveseenthatJavert，andthathespoketomeinthatmanner？WhocanthatChampmathieube？Soheresemblesme！
　　Isitpossible？WhenIreflectthatyesterdayIwassotranquil，andsofarfromsuspectinganything！WhatwasIdoingyesterdayatthishour？Whatisthereinthisincident？Whatwilltheendbe？
　　Whatistobedone？"
　　Thiswasthetormentinwhichhefoundhimself。Hisbrainhadlostitspowerofretainingideas；theypassedlikewaves，andheclutchedhisbrowinbothhandstoarrestthem。
　　Nothingbutanguishextricateditselffromthistumultwhichoverwhelmedhiswillandhisreason，andfromwhichhesoughttodrawproofandresolution。
　　Hisheadwasburning。Hewenttothewindowandthrewitwideopen。
　　Therewerenostarsinthesky。Hereturnedandseatedhimselfatthetable。
　　Thefirsthourpassedinthismanner。
　　Gradually，however，vagueoutlinesbegantotakeformandtofixthemselvesinhismeditation，andhewasabletocatchaglimpsewithprecisionofthereality，——notthewholesituation，butsomeofthedetails。Hebeganbyrecognizingthefactthat，criticalandextraordinaryaswasthissituation，hewascompletelymasterofit。
　　Thisonlycausedanincreaseofhisstupor。
　　Independentlyofthesevereandreligiousaimwhichhehadassignedtohisactions，allthathehadmadeuptothatdayhadbeennothingbutaholeinwhichtoburyhisname。Thatwhichhehadalwaysfearedmostofallinhishoursofself—communion，duringhissleeplessnights，wastoeverhearthatnamepronounced；
　　hehadsaidtohimself，thatthatwouldbetheendofallthingsforhim；thatonthedaywhenthatnamemadeitsreappearanceitwouldcausehisnewlifetovanishfromabouthim，and——whoknows？——
　　perhapsevenhisnewsoulwithinhim，also。Heshudderedattheverythoughtthatthiswaspossible。Assuredly，ifanyonehadsaidtohimatsuchmomentsthatthehourwouldcomewhenthatnamewouldringinhisears，whenthehideouswords，JeanValjean，wouldsuddenlyemergefromthedarknessandriseinfrontofhim，whenthatformidablelight，capableofdissipatingthemysteryinwhichhehadenvelopedhimself，wouldsuddenlyblazeforthabovehishead，andthatthatnamewouldnotmenacehim，thatthatlightwouldbutproduceanobscuritymoredense，thatthisrentveilwouldbutincreasethemystery，thatthisearthquakewouldsolidifyhisedifice，thatthisprodigiousincidentwouldhavenootherresult，sofarashewasconcerned，ifsoitseemedgoodtohim，thanthatofrenderinghisexistenceatonceclearerandmoreimpenetrable，andthat，outofhisconfrontationwiththephantomofJeanValjean，thegoodandworthycitizenMonsieurMadeleinewouldemergemorehonored，morepeaceful，andmorerespectedthanever——ifanyonehadtoldhimthat，hewouldhavetossedhisheadandregardedthewordsasthoseofamadman。Well，allthiswaspreciselywhathadjustcometopass；allthataccumulationofimpossibilitieswasafact，andGodhadpermittedthesewildfanciestobecomerealthings！
　　Hisreverycontinuedtogrowclearer。Hecamemoreandmoretoanunderstandingofhisposition。
　　Itseemedtohimthathehadbutjustwakedupfromsomeinexplicabledream，andthathefoundhimselfslippingdownadeclivityinthemiddleofthenight，erect，shivering，holdingbackallinvain，ontheverybrinkoftheabyss。Hedistinctlyperceivedinthedarknessastranger，amanunknowntohim，whomdestinyhadmistakenforhim，andwhomshewasthrustingintothegulfinhisstead；
　　inorderthatthegulfmightcloseoncemore，itwasnecessarythatsomeone，himselforthatotherman，shouldfallintoit:
　　hehadonlyletthingstaketheircourse。
　　Thelightbecamecomplete，andheacknowledgedthistohimself:
　　Thathisplacewasemptyinthegalleys；thatdowhathewould，itwasstillawaitinghim；thatthetheftfromlittleGervaishadledhimbacktoit；thatthisvacantplacewouldawaithim，anddrawhimonuntilhefilledit；thatthiswasinevitableandfatal；andthenhesaidtohimself，"that，atthismoment，behadasubstitute；
　　thatitappearedthatacertainChampmathieuhadthatillluck，andthat，asregardshimself，beingpresentinthegalleysinthepersonofthatChampmathieu，presentinsocietyunderthenameofM。Madeleine，hehadnothingmoretofear，providedthathedidnotpreventmenfromsealingovertheheadofthatChampmathieuthisstoneofinfamywhich，likethestoneofthesepulchre，fallsonce，nevertoriseagain。"
　　Allthiswassostrangeandsoviolent，thattheresuddenlytookplaceinhimthatindescribablemovement，whichnomanfeelsmorethantwoorthreetimesinthecourseofhislife，asortofconvulsionoftheconsciencewhichstirsupallthatthereisdoubtfulintheheart，whichiscomposedofirony，ofjoy，andofdespair，andwhichmaybecalledanoutburstofinwardlaughter。
　　Hehastilyrelightedhiscandle。
　　"Well，whatthen？"hesaidtohimself；"whatamIafraidof？
　　Whatisthereinallthatformetothinkabout？Iamsafe；
　　allisover。Ihadbutonepartlyopendoorthroughwhichmypastmightinvademylife，andbeholdthatdooriswalledupforever！
　　ThatJavert，whohasbeenannoyingmesolong；thatterribleinstinctwhichseemedtohavedivinedme，whichhaddivinedme——
　　goodGod！andwhichfollowedmeeverywhere；thatfrightfulhunting—dog，alwaysmakingapointatme，isthrownoffthescent，engagedelsewhere，absolutelyturnedfromthetrail:henceforthheissatisfied；hewillleavemeinpeace；hehashisJeanValjean。
　　Whoknows？itisevenprobablethathewillwishtoleavetown！
　　Andallthishasbeenbroughtaboutwithoutanyaidfromme，andI
　　countfornothinginit！Ah！butwhereisthemisfortuneinthis？
　　Uponmyhonor，peoplewouldthink，toseeme，thatsomecatastrophehadhappenedtome！Afterall，ifitdoesbringharmtosomeone，thatisnotmyfaultintheleast:itisProvidencewhichhasdoneitall；itisbecauseitwishesitsotobe，evidently。HaveI
　　therighttodisarrangewhatithasarranged？WhatdoIasknow？
　　WhyshouldImeddle？Itdoesnotconcernme；what！Iamnotsatisfied:
　　butwhatmoredoIwant？ThegoaltowhichIhaveaspiredforsomanyyears，thedreamofmynights，theobjectofmyprayerstoHeaven，——security，——Ihavenowattained；itisGodwhowillsit；
　　IcandonothingagainstthewillofGod，andwhydoesGodwillit？
　　InorderthatImaycontinuewhatIhavebegun，thatImaydogood，thatImayonedaybeagrandandencouragingexample，thatitmaybesaidatlast，thatalittlehappinesshasbeenattachedtothepenancewhichIhaveundergone，andtothatvirtuetowhichI
　　havereturned。Really，IdonotunderstandwhyIwasafraid，alittlewhileago，toenterthehouseofthatgoodcure，andtoaskhisadvice；thisisevidentlywhathewouldhavesaidtome:
　　Itissettled；letthingstaketheircourse；letthegoodGoddoashelikes！"
　　Thusdidheaddresshimselfinthedepthsofhisownconscience，bendingoverwhatmaybecalledhisownabyss；herosefromhischair，andbegantopacetheroom:"Come，"saidhe，"letusthinknomoreaboutit；myresolveistaken！"buthefeltnojoy。
　　Quitethereverse。
　　Onecannomorepreventthoughtfromrecurringtoanideathanonecantheseafromreturningtotheshore:thesailorcallsitthetide；
　　theguiltymancallsitremorse；Godupheavesthesoulashedoestheocean。
　　Aftertheexpirationofafewmoments，dowhathewould，heresumedthegloomydialogueinwhichitwashewhospokeandhewholistened，sayingthatwhichhewouldhavepreferredtoignore，andlistenedtothatwhichhewouldhavepreferrednottohear，yieldingtothatmysteriouspowerwhichsaidtohim:"Think！"asitsaidtoanothercondemnedman，twothousandyearsago，"Marchon！"
　　Beforeproceedingfurther，andinordertomakeourselvesfullyunderstood，letusinsistupononenecessaryobservation。
　　Itiscertainthatpeopledotalktothemselves；thereisnolivingbeingwhohasnotdoneit。Itmayevenbesaidthatthewordisneveramoremagnificentmysterythanwhenitgoesfromthoughttoconsciencewithinaman，andwhenitreturnsfromconsciencetothought；itisinthissenseonlythatthewordssooftenemployedinthischapter，hesaid，heexclaimed，mustbeunderstood；
　　onespeakstoone’sself，talkstoone’sself，exclaimstoone’sselfwithoutbreakingtheexternalsilence；thereisagreattumult；
　　everythingaboutustalksexceptthemouth。Therealitiesofthesoularenonethelessrealitiesbecausetheyarenotvisibleandpalpable。
　　Soheaskedhimselfwherehestood。Heinterrogatedhimselfuponthat"settledresolve。"Heconfessedtohimselfthatallthathehadjustarrangedinhismindwasmonstrous，that"toletthingstaketheircourse，toletthegoodGoddoasheliked，"wassimplyhorrible；toallowthiserroroffateandofmentobecarriedout，nottohinderit，tolendhimselftoitthroughhissilence，todonothing，inshort，wastodoeverything！thatthiswashypocriticalbasenessinthelastdegree！thatitwasabase，cowardly，sneaking，abject，hideouscrime！
　　Forthefirsttimeineightyears，thewretchedmanhadjusttastedthebittersavorofanevilthoughtandofanevilaction。
　　Hespititoutwithdisgust。
　　Hecontinuedtoquestionhimself。Heaskedhimselfseverelywhathehadmeantbythis，"Myobjectisattained！"Hedeclaredtohimselfthathislifereallyhadanobject；butwhatobject？
　　Toconcealhisname？Todeceivethepolice？Wasitforsopettyathingthathehaddoneallthathehaddone？Hadhenotanotherandagrandobject，whichwasthetrueone——tosave，nothisperson，buthissoul；tobecomehonestandgoodoncemore；tobeajustman？
　　Wasitnotthataboveall，thatalone，whichhehadalwaysdesired，whichtheBishophadenjoineduponhim——toshutthedooronhispast？
　　Buthewasnotshuttingit！greatGod！hewasre—openingitbycommittinganinfamousaction！Hewasbecomingathiefoncemore，andthemostodiousofthieves！Hewasrobbinganotherofhisexistence，hislife，hispeace，hisplaceinthesunshine。
　　Hewasbecominganassassin。Hewasmurdering，morallymurdering，awretchedman。Hewasinflictingonhimthatfrightfullivingdeath，thatdeathbeneaththeopensky，whichiscalledthegalleys。
　　Ontheotherhand，tosurrenderhimselftosavethatman，struckdownwithsomelancholyanerror，toresumehisownname，tobecomeoncemore，outofduty，theconvictJeanValjean，thatwas，intruth，toachievehisresurrection，andtocloseforeverthathellwhencehehadjustemerged；tofallbackthereinappearancewastoescapefromitinreality。Thismustbedone！Hehaddonenothingifhedidnotdoallthis；hiswholelifewasuseless；
　　allhispenitencewaswasted。Therewasnolongeranyneedofsaying，"Whatistheuse？"HefeltthattheBishopwasthere，thattheBishopwaspresentallthemorebecausehewasdead，thattheBishopwasgazingfixedlyathim，thathenceforthMayorMadeleine，withallhisvirtues，wouldbeabominabletohim，andthattheconvictJeanValjeanwouldbepureandadmirableinhissight；
　　thatmenbeheldhismask，butthattheBishopsawhisface；
　　thatmensawhislife，butthattheBishopbeheldhisconscience。
　　SohemustgotoArras，deliverthefalseJeanValjean，anddenouncetherealone。Alas！thatwasthegreatestofsacrifices，themostpoignantofvictories，thelaststeptotake；butitmustbedone。
　　Sadfate！hewouldenterintosanctityonlyintheeyesofGodwhenhereturnedtoinfamyintheeyesofmen。
　　"Well，saidhe，"letusdecideuponthis；letusdoourduty；letussavethisman。"Heutteredthesewordsaloud，withoutperceivingthathewasspeakingaloud。
　　Hetookhisbooks，verifiedthem，andputtheminorder。
　　Heflunginthefireabundleofbillswhichhehadagainstpettyandembarrassedtradesmen。Hewroteandsealedaletter，andontheenvelopeitmighthavebeenread，hadtherebeenanyoneinhischamberatthemoment，ToMonsieurLaffitte，Banker，Rued’Artois，Paris。Hedrewfromhissecretaryapocket—bookwhichcontainedseveralbank—notesandthepassportofwhichhehadmadeusethatsameyearwhenhewenttotheelections。
　　Anyonewhohadseenhimduringtheexecutionofthesevariousacts，intowhichthereenteredsuchgravethought，wouldhavehadnosuspicionofwhatwasgoingonwithinhim。Onlyoccasionallydidhislipsmove；atothertimesheraisedhisheadandfixedhisgazeuponsomepointofthewall，asthoughthereexistedatthatpointsomethingwhichhewishedtoelucidateorinterrogate。
　　WhenhehadfinishedthelettertoM。Laffitte，heputitintohispocket，togetherwiththepocket—book，andbeganhiswalkoncemore。
　　Hisreveryhadnotswervedfromitscourse。Hecontinuedtoseehisdutyclearly，writteninluminousletters，whichflamedbeforehiseyesandchangeditsplaceashealteredthedirectionofhisglance:——
　　"Go！Tellyourname！Denounceyourself！"
　　Inthesamewayhebeheld，asthoughtheyhadpassedbeforehiminvisibleforms，thetwoideaswhichhad，uptothattime，formedthedoubleruleofhissoul，——theconcealmentofhisname，thesanctificationofhislife。Forthefirsttimetheyappearedtohimasabsolutelydistinct，andheperceivedthedistancewhichseparatedthem。Herecognizedthefactthatoneoftheseideaswas，necessarily，good，whiletheothermightbecomebad；
　　thatthefirstwasself—devotion，andthattheotherwaspersonality；
　　thattheonesaid，myneighbor，andthattheothersaid，myself；
　　thatoneemanatedfromthelight，andtheotherfromdarkness。
　　Theywereantagonistic。Hesawtheminconflict。Inproportionashemeditated，theygrewbeforetheeyesofhisspirit。
　　Theyhadnowattainedcolossalstatures，anditseemedtohimthathebeheldwithinhimself，inthatinfinityofwhichwewererecentlyspeaking，inthemidstofthedarknessandthelights，agoddessandagiantcontending。
　　Hewasfilledwithterror；butitseemedtohimthatthegoodthoughtwasgettingtheupperhand。
　　Hefeltthathewasonthebrinkoftheseconddecisivecrisisofhisconscienceandofhisdestiny；thattheBishophadmarkedthefirstphaseofhisnewlife，andthatChampmathieumarkedthesecond。
　　Afterthegrandcrisis，thegrandtest。
　　Butthefever，allayedforaninstant，graduallyresumedpossessionofhim。Athousandthoughtstraversedhismind，buttheycontinuedtofortifyhiminhisresolution。
　　Onemomenthesaidtohimselfthathewas，perhaps，takingthemattertookeenly；that，afterall，thisChampmathieuwasnotinteresting，andthathehadactuallybeenguiltyoftheft。
　　Heansweredhimself:"Ifthismanhas，indeed，stolenafewapples，thatmeansamonthinprison。Itisalongwayfromthattothegalleys。
　　Andwhoknows？Didhesteal？Hasitbeenproved？ThenameofJeanValjeanoverwhelmshim，andseemstodispensewithproofs。
　　DonottheattorneysfortheCrownalwaysproceedinthismanner？
　　Heissupposedtobeathiefbecauseheisknowntobeaconvict。"
　　Inanotherinstantthethoughthadoccurredtohimthat，whenhedenouncedhimself，theheroismofhisdeedmight，perhaps，betakenintoconsideration，andhishonestlifeforthelastsevenyears，andwhathehaddoneforthedistrict，andthattheywouldhavemercyonhim。
　　Butthissuppositionvanishedveryquickly，andhesmiledbitterlyasherememberedthatthetheftofthefortysousfromlittleGervaisputhiminthepositionofamanguiltyofasecondoffenceafterconviction，thatthisaffairwouldcertainlycomeup，and，accordingtotheprecisetermsofthelaw，wouldrenderhimliabletopenalservitudeforlife。
　　Heturnedasidefromallillusions，detachedhimselfmoreandmorefromearth，andsoughtstrengthandconsolationelsewhere。
　　Hetoldhimselfthathemustdohisduty；thatperhapsheshouldnotbemoreunhappyafterdoinghisdutythanafterhavingavoidedit；
　　thatifheallowedthingstotaketheirowncourse，ifheremainedatM。surM。，hisconsideration，hisgoodname，hisgoodworks，thedeferenceandvenerationpaidtohim，hischarity，hiswealth，hispopularity，hisvirtue，wouldbeseasonedwithacrime。
　　Andwhatwouldbethetasteofalltheseholythingswhenboundupwiththishideousthing？while，ifheaccomplishedhissacrifice，acelestialideawouldbemingledwiththegalleys，thepost，theironnecklet，thegreencap，unceasingtoil，andpitilessshame。
　　Atlengthhetoldhimselfthatitmustbeso，thathisdestinywasthusallotted，thathehadnotauthoritytoalterthearrangementsmadeonhigh，that，inanycase，hemustmakehischoice:virtuewithoutandabominationwithin，orholinesswithinandinfamywithout。
　　Thestirringupoftheselugubriousideasdidnotcausehiscouragetofail，buthisbraingrowweary。Hebegantothinkofotherthings，ofindifferentmatters，inspiteofhimself。
　　Theveinsinhistemplesthrobbedviolently；hestillpacedtoandfro；
　　midnightsoundedfirstfromtheparishchurch，thenfromthetown—hall；
　　hecountedthetwelvestrokesofthetwoclocks，andcomparedthesoundsofthetwobells；herecalledinthisconnectionthefactthat，afewdayspreviously，hehadseeninanironmonger’sshopanancientclockforsale，uponwhichwaswrittenthename，Antoine—AlbindeRomainville。
　　Hewascold；helightedasmallfire；itdidnotoccurtohimtoclosethewindow。
　　Inthemeantimehehadrelapsedintohisstupor；hewasobligedtomakeatolerablyvigorousefforttorecallwhathadbeenthesubjectofhisthoughtsbeforemidnighthadstruck；hefinallysucceededindoingthis。
　　"Ah！yes，"hesaidtohimself，"Ihadresolvedtoinformagainstmyself。"
　　Andthen，allofasudden，hethoughtofFantine。
　　"Hold！"saidhe，"andwhataboutthatpoorwoman？"
　　Hereafreshcrisisdeclareditself。
　　Fantine，byappearingthusabruptlyinhisrevery，producedtheeffectofanunexpectedrayoflight；itseemedtohimasthougheverythingabouthimwereundergoingachangeofaspect:heexclaimed:——
　　"Ah！butIhavehithertoconsiderednoonebutmyself；itisproperformetoholdmytongueortodenouncemyself，toconcealmypersonortosavemysoul，tobeadespicableandrespectedmagistrate，oraninfamousandvenerableconvict；itisI，itisalwaysI
　　andnothingbutI:but，goodGod！allthisisegotism；thesearediverseformsofegotism，butitisegotismallthesame。
　　WhatifIweretothinkalittleaboutothers？Thehighestholinessistothinkofothers；come，letusexaminethematter。
　　The_I_excepted，the_I_effaced，the_I_forgotten，whatwouldbetheresultofallthis？WhatifIdenouncemyself？Iamarrested；
　　thisChampmathieuisreleased；Iamputbackinthegalleys；thatiswell——
　　andwhatthen？Whatisgoingonhere？Ah！hereisacountry，atown，herearefactories，anindustry，workers，bothmenandwomen，agedgrandsires，children，poorpeople！AllthisIhavecreated；
　　alltheseIprovidewiththeirliving；everywherewherethereisasmokingchimney，itisIwhohaveplacedthebrandonthehearthandmeatinthepot；Ihavecreatedease，circulation，credit；
　　beforemetherewasnothing；Ihaveelevated，vivified，informedwithlife，fecundated，stimulated，enrichedthewholecountry—side；
　　lackingme，thesoulislacking；Itakemyselfoff，everythingdies:
　　andthiswoman，whohassufferedsomuch，whopossessessomanymeritsinspiteofherfall；thecauseofallwhosemiseryIhaveunwittinglybeen！AndthatchildwhomImeanttogoinsearchof，whomIhavepromisedtohermother；doInotalsoowesomethingtothiswoman，inreparationfortheevilwhichIhavedoneher？
　　IfIdisappear，whathappens？Themotherdies；thechildbecomeswhatitcan；thatiswhatwilltakeplace，ifIdenouncemyself。
　　IfIdonotdenouncemyself？come，letusseehowitwillbeifIdonotdenouncemyself。"
　　Afterputtingthisquestiontohimself，hepaused；heseemedtoundergoamomentaryhesitationandtrepidation；butitdidnotlastlong，andheansweredhimselfcalmly:——
　　"Well，thismanisgoingtothegalleys；itistrue，butwhatthedeuce！hehasstolen！Thereisnouseinmysayingthathehasnotbeenguiltyoftheft，forhehas！Iremainhere；Igoon:
　　intenyearsIshallhavemadetenmillions；Iscatterthemoverthecountry；Ihavenothingofmyown；whatisthattome？
　　ItisnotformyselfthatIamdoingit；theprosperityofallgoesonaugmenting；industriesarearousedandanimated；
　　factoriesandshopsaremultiplied；families，ahundredfamilies，athousandfamilies，arehappy；thedistrictbecomespopulated；
　　villagesspringupwheretherewereonlyfarmsbefore；
　　farmsrisewheretherewasnothing；wretchednessdisappears，andwithwretchednessdebauchery，prostitution，theft，murder；
　　allvicesdisappear，allcrimes:andthispoormotherrearsherchild；
　　andbeholdawholecountryrichandhonest！Ah！Iwasafool！
　　Iwasabsurd！whatwasthatIwassayingaboutdenouncingmyself？
　　Ireallymustpayattentionandnotbeprecipitateaboutanything。
　　What！becauseitwouldhavepleasedmetoplaythegrandandgenerous；
　　thisismelodrama，afterall；becauseIshouldhavethoughtofnoonebutmyself，theidea！forthesakeofsavingfromapunishment，atrifleexaggerated，perhaps，butjustatbottom，nooneknowswhom，athief，agood—for—nothing，evidently，awholecountry—sidemustperish！apoorwomanmustdieinthehospital！apoorlittlegirlmustdieinthestreet！likedogs；ah，thisisabominable！
　　Andwithoutthemotherevenhavingseenherchildoncemore，almostwithoutthechild’shavingknownhermother；andallthatforthesakeofanoldwretchofanapple—thiefwho，mostassuredly，hasdeservedthegalleysforsomethingelse，ifnotforthat；
　　finescruples，indeed，whichsaveaguiltymanandsacrificetheinnocent，whichsaveanoldvagabondwhohasonlyafewyearstoliveatmost，andwhowillnotbemoreunhappyinthegalleysthaninhishovel，andwhichsacrificeawholepopulation，mothers，wives，children。
　　ThispoorlittleCosettewhohasnooneintheworldbutme，andwhois，nodoubt，bluewithcoldatthismomentinthedenofthoseThenardiers；thosepeoplesarerascals；andIwasgoingtoneglectmydutytowardsallthesepoorcreatures；andIwasgoingofftodenouncemyself；andIwasabouttocommitthatunspeakablefolly！
　　Letusputitattheworst:supposethatthereisawrongactiononmypartinthis，andthatmyconsciencewillreproachmeforitsomeday，toaccept，forthegoodofothers，thesereproacheswhichweighonlyonmyself；thisevilactionwhichcompromisesmysoulalone；inthatliesself—sacrifice；inthatalonethereisvirtue。"
　　Heroseandresumedhismarch；thistime，heseemedtobecontent。
　　Diamondsarefoundonlyinthedarkplacesoftheearth；
　　truthsarefoundonlyinthedepthsofthought。Itseemedtohim，that，afterhavingdescendedintothesedepths，afterhavinglonggropedamongthedarkestoftheseshadows，hehadatlastfoundoneofthesediamonds，oneofthesetruths，andthathenowhelditinhishand，andhewasdazzledashegazeduponit。
　　"Yes，"hethought，"thisisright；Iamontherightroad；Ihavethesolution；Imustendbyholdingfasttosomething；myresolveistaken；letthingstaketheircourse；letusnolongervacillate；
　　letusnolongerhangback；thisisfortheinterestofall，notformyown；IamMadeleine，andMadeleineIremain。WoetothemanwhoisJeanValjean！Iamnolongerhe；Idonotknowthatman；
　　Inolongerknowanything；itturnsoutthatsomeoneisJeanValjeanatthepresentmoment；lethimlookoutforhimself；
　　thatdoesnotconcernme；itisafatalnamewhichwasfloatingabroadinthenight；ifithaltsanddescendsonahead，somuchtheworseforthathead。"
　　Helookedintothelittlemirrorwhichhungabovehischimney—piece，andsaid:——
　　"Hold！ithasrelievedmetocometoadecision；Iamquiteanothermannow。"
　　Heproceededafewpacesfurther，thenhestoppedshort。
　　"Come！"hesaid，"ImustnotflinchbeforeanyoftheconsequencesoftheresolutionwhichIhaveonceadopted；therearestillthreadswhichattachmetothatJeanValjean；theymustbebroken；
　　inthisveryroomthereareobjectswhichwouldbetrayme，dumbthingswhichwouldbearwitnessagainstme；itissettled；
　　allthesethingsmustdisappear。"