830 Les Miserables
their relatives only in the parlor. Their very mothers did not
obtain permission to embrace them. The following illus-
trates to what a degree severity on that point was carried.
One day a young girl received a visit from her mother, who
was accompanied by a little sister three years of age. The
young girl wept, for she wished greatly to embrace her sis-
ter. Impossible. She begged that, at least, the child might be
permitted to pass her little hand through the bars so that
she could kiss it. This was almost indignantly refused.