2446 Les Miserables
cut me to the heart; I went as far as the corner of the street,
I must have produced a queer effect on the people who saw
me pass, I was like a madman, I once went out without my
hat. I no longer see clearly, my children, I had still other
things to say, but never mind. Think a little of me. Come
still nearer. I die happy. Give me your dear and well-beloved
heads, so that I may lay my hands upon them.’
Cosette and Marius fell on their knees, in despair, suffo-
cating with tears, each beneath one of Jean Valjean’s hands.
Those august hands no longer moved.
He had fallen backwards, the light of the candles illumi-
nated him.
His white face looked up to heaven, he allowed Cosette
and Marius to cover his hands with kisses.
He was dead.
The night was starless and extremely dark. No doubt, in
the gloom, some immense angel stood erect with wings out-
spread, awaiting that soul.