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that pair of stockings for five francs. We can refuse nothing
to travellers.’
‘You must pay on the spot,’ said the Thenardier, in her
curt and peremptory fashion.
‘I will buy that pair of stockings,’ replied the man, ‘and,’
he added, drawing a five-franc piece from his pocket, and
laying it on the table, ‘I will pay for them.’
Then he turned to Cosette.
‘Now I own your work; play, my child.’
The carter was so much touched by the five-franc piece,
that he abandoned his glass and hastened up.
‘But it’s true!’ he cried, examining it. ‘A real hind wheel!
and not counterfeit!’
Thenardier approached and silently put the coin in his
pocket.
The Thenardier had no reply to make. She bit her lips,
and her face assumed an expression of hatred.
In the meantime, Cosette was trembling. She ventured
to ask:—
‘Is it true, Madame? May I play?’
‘Play!’ said the Thenardier, in a terrible voice.
‘Thanks, Madame,’ said Cosette.
And while her mouth thanked the Thenardier, her whole
little soul thanked the traveller.
Thenardier had resumed his drinking; his wife whispered
in his ear:—
‘Who can this yellow man be?’
‘I have seen millionaires with coats like that,’ replied Th-
enardier, in a sovereign manner.