Page 2372 - les-miserables

not her beauty but her soul.
‘Well,’ exclaimed Cosette, ‘father, I knew that you were pe-
culiar, but I never should have expected this. What an idea!
Marius told me that you wish me to receive you here.’
‘Yes, it is my wish.’
‘I expected that reply. Good. I warn you that I am going to
make a scene for you. Let us begin at the beginning. Embrace
me, father.’
And she offered him her cheek.
Jean Valjean remained motionless.
‘You do not stir. I take note of it. Attitude of guilt. But
never mind, I pardon you. Jesus Christ said: Offer the other
cheek. Here it is.’
And she presented her other cheek.
Jean Valjean did not move. It seemed as though his feet
were nailed to the pavement.
‘This is becoming serious,’ said Cosette. ‘What have I done
to you? I declare that I am perplexed. You owe me reparation.
You will dine with us.’
‘I have dined.’
‘That is not true. I will get M. Gillenormand to scold you.
Grandfathers are made to reprimand fathers. Come. Go up-
stairs with me to the drawing-room. Immediately.’
‘Impossible.’
Here Cosette lost ground a little. She ceased to command
and passed to questioning.
‘But why? and you choose the ugliest chamber in the house
in which to see me. It’s horrible here.’
‘Thou knowest …’

2372 Les Miserables