But I will know, he says, and Fantine sees things all too clearly. "You're ashamed of yourself. But you can't be--you shouldn't be--you've done so much good, monsieur. You saved my Cosette. You are her father, in her heart. You should see the way she speaks of you. Her husband's aunt and grandfather--no doubt they're kind, but she doesn't speak of them like she speaks of you."

As for his last objection, that's too feeble for words. It's obvious he's just looking for reasons because he feels ashamed, and that won't do at all. "Thénardier! I've seen his daughter here. The poor girl. Éponine, her name is--I don't know if you met her. When I saw her she was a small child, plump and playful, and now? She looks like a beggar. I know something of what's befallen Thénardier, monsieur. He can take his tales where he likes, but what respectable person would believe him? He's a ruffian. You needn't worry about him."