Page 342 - les-miserables

rious man who does not wish to weep and who finds some
difficulty in speaking:—
‘I have heard you. I knew nothing about what you have
mentioned. I believe that it is true, and I feel that it is true. I
was even ignorant of the fact that you had left my shop. Why
did you not apply to me? But here; I will pay your debts, I
will send for your child, or you shall go to her. You shall live
here, in Paris, or where you please. I undertake the care of
your child and yourself. You shall not work any longer if
you do not like. I will give all the money you require. You
shall be honest and happy once more. And listen! I declare
to you that if all is as you say,—and I do not doubt it,— you
have never ceased to be virtuous and holy in the sight of
God. Oh! poor woman.’
This was more than Fantine could bear. To have Co-
sette! To leave this life of infamy. To live free, rich, happy,
respectable with Cosette; to see all these realities of paradise
blossom of a sudden in the midst of her misery. She stared
stupidly at this man who was talking to her, and could only
give vent to two or three sobs, ‘Oh! Oh! Oh!’
Her limbs gave way beneath her, she knelt in front of M.
Madeleine, and before he could prevent her he felt her grasp
his hand and press her lips to it.
Then she fainted.

342 Les Miserables