Jean Valjean came from prison with confused notions of society. He
forgot the modern peculiarities of hospitality. So he walked off
with the Bishop's candlesticks.
Let us consider: candlesticks were stolen; that was evident.
Society put Jean Valjean in prison; that was evident, too. In
prison, Society took away his refinement; that is evident,
likewise.
Who is Society?
You and I are Society.
My friend, you and I stole those candlesticks!
III.
The Bishop thought so, too. He meditated profoundly for six days.
On the morning of the seventh he went to the Prefecture of Police.
He said: "Monsieur, have me arrested. I have stolen candlesticks."
The official was governed by the law of Society, and refused.
What did this Bishop do?
He had a charming ball and chain made, affixed to his leg, and wore
it the rest of his life.
This is a fact!
IV.
Love is a mystery.
A little friend of mine down in the country, at Auvergne, said to
me one day: "Victor, Love is the world,--it contains everything."
She was only sixteen, this sharp-witted little girl, and a
beautiful blonde. She thought everything of me.
Fantine was one of those women who do wrong in the most virtuous
and touching manner.
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