MADAME. Then 'tis time we should look to the locks on the
doors, if we would keep our silver. I'll go for the locksmith now--
BISHOP. Stay! This house shall not be locked against any man!
Would you have me lock out my brothers?
[_A loud knock is heard at street door._]
Come in!
[_Enter_ JEAN VALJEAN, _with his knapsack and cudgel. The women
are frightened._]
JEAN (_roughly_). See here! My name is Jean Valjean. I am a
convict from the galleys. I was set free four days ago, and I am looking
for work. I hoped to find a lodging here, but no one will have me. It
was the same way yesterday and the day before. To-night a good woman
told me to knock at your door. I have knocked. Is this an inn?
BISHOP. Madame, put on another plate.
JEAN. Stop! You do not understand, I think. Here is my
passport--see what it says: "Jean Valjean, discharged convict, has been
nineteen years in the galleys; five years for theft; fourteen years for
having attempted to escape. He is a very dangerous man." There! you know
it all. I ask only for straw in your stable.
BISHOP. Madame, you will put white sheets on the bed in the
alcove.
[_Exit Madame. The Bishop turns to Jean._]
We shall dine presently. Sit here by the fire, sir.
JEAN. What! You will keep me? You call me "sir"! Oh! I am going
to dine! I am to have a bed with sheets like the rest of the world--a
bed! It is nineteen years since I have slept in a bed! I will pay
anything you ask.
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