That we should be here together—that is all that I desire.
I shall remain with you, bah!”
“You are my beloved Cosette!
Impossible.”
“Impossible!”
“Yes.” “Very good,” said Cosette.
“I was going to tell you some news. I could have told you that your grandfather is still asleep, that your aunt is at mass, that the chimney in my father Fauchelevent’s room smokes, that Nicolette has sent for the chimney-sweep, that Toussaint and Nicolette have already quarrelled, that Nicolette makes sport of Toussaint’s stammer.
Well, you shall know nothing.
Ah! it is impossible? 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 husband 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 content, I will not scold you.”
And again she offered him her brow.
Jean Valjean dropped a kiss upon that brow whereon rested a celestial gleam.
“Smile.”
Jean Valjean obeyed.
It was the smile of a spectre.
“Now, defend me against my husband.”
“Cosette! . . .” ejaculated Marius.
“Get angry, father.
Say that I must stay.
You can certainly talk before me.
So you think me very silly.
What you say is astonishing! business, placing money in a bank a great matter truly.
Men make mysteries out of nothing.
I am very pretty this morning.
Look at me, Marius.”
And with an adorable shrug of the shoulders, and an indescribably exquisite pout, she glanced at Marius.
“I love you!” said Marius.