tunately only exhibited one side of the truth, the fate of woman as summed up in Fantine, and public authority as personified in Javert.
He had returned to prison, this time for having done right; he had quaffed fresh bitterness; disgust and lassitude were overpowering him; even the memory of the Bishop probably suffered a temporary eclipse, though sure to reappear later on luminous and triumphant; but, after all, that sacred memory was growing dim.
Who knows whether Jean Valjean had not been on the eve of growing discouraged and of falling once more? He loved and grew strong again.
Alas! he walked with no less indecision than Cosette.
He protected her, and she strengthened him. Thanks to him, she could walk through life; thanks to her, he could continue in virtue.
He was that child''s stay, and she was his prop.
Oh, unfathomable and divine mystery of the balances of destiny!
BOOK FOURTH.--THE GORBEAU HOVEL
CHAPTER IV
THE REMARKS OF THE PRINCIPAL TENANT
Jean Valjean was prudent enough never to go out by day. Every evening, at twilight, he walked for an hour or two, sometimes alone, often with Cosette, seeking the most deserted side alleys of the boulevard, and entering churches at nightfall. He liked to go to Saint-Medard, which is the nearest church. When he did not take Cosette with him, she remained with the old woman; but the child''s delight was to go out with the good man.