“As I can. They leave me alone. But I have not many toys. I have only a little lead sword not larger than that.” The child showed her little finger.
They were now nearing the village; Cosette led the stranger through the street. They passed the baker’s, but Cosette never even thought of the bread that she was to buy.
As they came near the inn, Cosette touched his arm timidly.
“What is it, little one?”
“Here we are, very near the house.”
An instant later they were at the door of the inn.
Cosette could not resist one last look at a big doll standing in the window of the toy shop; then she knocked.
The door opened. Madame Thénardier stood there, a candle in her hand.
“Ah! it’s you! You have taken time enough! You must have been having a fine time.”
“Madame,” said Cosette trembling, “here is a gentleman who has come to stay.”