Cosette could not refrain from casting a sidelong glance at the big doll, which was still displayed at the toy-merchant’s; then she knocked. The door opened. The Thénardier appeared with a candle in her hand. 'Ah! so it’s you, you little wretch!
good mercy, but you’ve taken your time! The hussy has been amusing herself! ' 'Madame,' said Cosette, trembling all over, 'here’s a gentleman who wants a lodging.
' The Thénardier speedily replaced her gruff air by her amiable grimace, a change of aspect common to tavern-keepers, and eagerly sought the newcomer with her eyes. 'This is the gentleman? ' said she. 'Yes, Madame,' replied the man, raising his hand to his hat.
Wealthy travellers are not so polite. This gesture, and an inspection of the stranger’s costume and baggage, which the Thénardier passed in review with one glance, caused the amiable grimace to vanish, and the gruff mien to reappear. She resumed dryly:— 'Enter, my good man.
' The 'good man' entered.
The Thénardier cast a second glance at him, paid particular attention to his frock-coat, which was absolutely threadbare, and to his hat, which was a little battered, and, tossing her head, wrinkling her nose, and screwing up her eyes, she consulted her husband, who was still drinking with the carters.
The husband replied by that imperceptible movement of the forefinger, which, backed up by an inflation of the lips, signifies in such cases: A regular beggar. Thereupon, the Thénardier exclaimed:— 'Ah! see here, my good man; I am very sorry, but I have no room left.
' 'Put me where you like,' said the man; 'in the attic, in the stable. I will pay as though I occupied a room. ' 'Forty sous. ' 'Forty sous; agreed. ' 'Very well, then! ' 'Forty sous! ' said a carter, in a low tone, to the Thénardier woman;