Page 2350 - les-miserables

the chimney-sweep, that Toussaint and Nicolette have al-
ready quarrelled, that Nicolette makes sport of Toussaint’s
stammer. Well, you shall know nothing. Ah! it is impos-
sible? you shall see, gentlemen, that I, in my turn, can say: It
is impossible. Then who will be caught? I beseech you, my
little Marius, let me stay here with you two.’
‘I swear to you, that it is indispensable that we should be
alone.’
‘Well, am I anybody?’
Jean Valjean had not uttered a single word. Cosette
turned to him:
‘In the first place, father, I want you to come and embrace
me. What do you mean by not saying anything instead of
taking my part? who gave me such a father as that? You
must perceive that my family life is very unhappy. My hus-
band beats me. Come, embrace me instantly.’
Jean Valjean approached.
Cosette turned toward Marius.
‘As for you, I shall make a face at you.’
Then she presented her brow to Jean Valjean.
Jean Valjean advanced a step toward her.
Cosette recoiled.
‘Father, you are pale. Does your arm hurt you?’
‘It is well,’ said Jean Valjean.
‘Did you sleep badly?’
‘No.’
‘Are you sad?’
‘No.’
‘Embrace me if you are well, if you sleep well, if you are

2350 Les Miserables