"This is the matter, Mr. Mayor; a culpable act has been committed."
"What act?"
"An inferior agent of the authorities has failed in respect, and in the gravest manner, towards a magistrate.
I have come to bring the fact to your knowledge, as it is my duty to do."
"Who is the agent?" asked M. Madeleine.
"I," said Javert.
"You?"
"I."
"And who is the magistrate who has reason to complain of the agent?"
"You, Mr. Mayor."
M. Madeleine sat erect in his arm-chair. Javert went on, with a severe air and his eyes still cast down.
"Mr. Mayor, I have come to request you to instigate the authorities to dismiss me."
M. Madeleine opened his mouth in amazement.
Javert interrupted him:--
"You will say that I might have handed in my resignation, but that does not suffice.
Handing in one''s resignation is honorable. I have failed in my duty; I ought to be punished; I must be turned out."
And after a pause he added:--
"Mr. Mayor, you were severe with me the other day, and unjustly. Be so to-day, with justice."
"Come, now!
Why?" exclaimed M. Madeleine.
"What nonsense is this? What is the meaning of this?
What culpable act have you been guilty of towards me?
What have you done to me?
What are your wrongs with regard to me?