(no subject)

 
It seems Milliways has been storing up its surprises, ready to catch him while he has no defences.

Valjean had been leaving. He has spent days in Enjolras's body, he has been visited by Combeferre and Bahorel, who have read his life and tried to push him towards...he does not know what. He is tired, and he misses Cosette...and now, here is her mother.

He stands at the bottom of the stairs, dressed in gentleman's clothes because he had come here from a visit to the Pontmercy's. His hands grip the rim of his hat - there is a cobweb on it - held before him as if it were a shield. Fantine is between him and the door, but he does not think he would avoid her if she were not. Still. It is not easy to see her.

'Mademoiselle,' he says, in a clear and respectful tone.

'Good evening.'