310 Les Miserables
moderately good workwoman. Overcome with shame, even
more than with despair, she quitted the shop, and returned
to her room. So her fault was now known to every one.
She no longer felt strong enough to say a word. She
was advised to see the mayor; she did not dare. The may-
or had given her fifty francs because he was good, and had
dismissed her because he was just. She bowed before the de-
cision.