Page 720 - les-miserables

The man, without making any reply, fumbled in his
pocket, and Thenardier beheld the pocket-book of bank-
bills make its appearance once more.
The tavern-keeper shivered with joy.
‘Good!’ thought he; ‘let us hold firm; he is going to bribe
me!’
Before opening the pocket-book, the traveller cast a
glance about him: the spot was absolutely deserted; there
was not a soul either in the woods or in the valley. The man
opened his pocket-book once more and drew from it, not
the handful of bills which Thenardier expected, but a simple
little paper, which he unfolded and presented fully open to
the inn-keeper, saying:—
‘You are right; read!’
Thenardier took the paper and read:—
‘M. SUR M., March 25, 1823.
‘MONSIEUR THENARDIER:—
You will deliver Cosette to this person.
You will be paid for all the little things.
I have the honor to salute you with respect,
FANTINE.’
‘You know that signature?’ resumed the man.
It certainly was Fantine’s signature; Thenardier recog-
nized it.
There was no reply to make; he experienced two violent
vexations, the vexation of renouncing the bribery which he
had hoped for, and the vexation of being beaten; the man
added:—
‘You may keep this paper as your receipt.’

720 Les Miserables