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P. 678

CHAPTER VIII



         THE UNPLEASANTNESS OF

         RECEIVING INTO ONE’S

         HOUSE A POOR MAN WHO

         MAY BE A RICH MAN






         Cosette could not refrain from casting a sidelong glance
         at  the  big  doll,  which  was  still  displayed  at  the  toy-mer-
         chant’s; then she knocked. The door opened. The Thenardier
         appeared with a candle in her hand.
            ‘Ah! so it’s you, you little wretch! good mercy, but you’ve
         taken your time! The hussy has been amusing herself!’
            ‘Madame,’ said Cosette, trembling all over, ‘here’s a gen-
         tleman who wants a lodging.’
            The  Thenardier  speedily  replaced  her  gruff  air  by  her
         amiable  grimace,  a  change  of  aspect  common  to  tavern-
         keepers, and eagerly sought the new-comer with her eyes.
            ‘This is the gentleman?’ said she.
            ‘Yes, Madame,’ replied the man, raising his hand to his
         hat.

         678                                   Les Miserables
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