Page 1065 - les-miserables

CHAPTER IV

END OF THE BRIGAND

The conclusion of Marius’ classical studies coincided with
M. Gillenormand’s departure from society. The old man
bade farewell to the Faubourg Saint-Germain and to Ma-
dame de T.’s salon, and established himself in the Mardis,
in his house of the Rue des Filles-du-Calvaire. There he had
for servants, in addition to the porter, that chambermaid,
Nicolette, who had succeeded to Magnon, and that short-
breathed and pursy Basque, who have been mentioned
above.
In 1827, Marius had just attained his seventeenth year.
One evening, on his return home, he saw his grandfather
holding a letter in his hand.
‘Marius,’ said M. Gillenormand, ‘you will set out for Ver-
non to-morrow.’
‘Why?’ said Marius.
‘To see your father.’
Marius was seized with a trembling fit. He had thought
of everything except this—that he should one day be called
upon to see his father. Nothing could be more unexpected,
more surprising, and, let us admit it, more disagreeable to

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