2444 Les Miserables
must have a carriage, a box at the theatres now and then,
and handsome ball dresses, my Cosette, and then, thou
must give good dinners to thy friends, and be very happy. I
was writing to Cosette a while ago. She will find my letter.
I bequeath to her the two candlesticks which stand on the
chimney-piece. They are of silver, but to me they are gold,
they are diamonds; they change candles which are placed
in them into wax-tapers. I do not know whether the person
who gave them to me is pleased with me yonder on high.
I have done what I could. My children, you will not forget
that I am a poor man, you will have me buried in the first
plot of earth that you find, under a stone to mark the spot.
This is my wish. No name on the stone. If Cosette cares to
come for a little while now and then, it will give me plea-
sure. And you too, Monsieur Pontmercy. I must admit that
I have not always loved you. I ask your pardon for that. Now
she and you form but one for me. I feel very grateful to you.
I am sure that you make Cosette happy. If you only knew,
Monsieur Pontmercy, her pretty rosy cheeks were my de-
light; when I saw her in the least pale, I was sad. In the chest
of drawers, there is a bank-bill for five hundred francs. I
have not touched it. It is for the poor. Cosette, dost thou see
thy little gown yonder on the bed? dost thou recognize it?
That was ten years ago, however. How time flies! We have
been very happy. All is over. Do not weep, my children, I
am not going very far, I shall see you from there, you will
only have to look at night, and you will see me smile. Co-
sette, dost thou remember Montfermeil? Thou wert in the
forest, thou wert greatly terrified; dost thou remember how