In the meantime the stranger had risen. “What is the matter?” said he to the woman.
“Don’t you see?” said she, pointing with her finger at the proof of the crime outstretched at Cosette’s feet.
“Well, what of that?” replied the man.
“This little wretch has dared to lay her hands on the children’s doll!”
“All this noise about that?” said the man. “Why should she not play with this doll?”
“She has touched it with her dirty hands!”
At this Cosette sobbed more than ever.
“Keep still, won’t you!” cried the woman.
The man went straight to the street door, opened it, and went out. In a few minutes the door opened again and the man entered, carrying in his arms the wonderful doll of which we have spoken. He laid it down before Cosette, saying, “Take it, little one; this is for you.”
It seemed that during the hour he had been there, in the midst of his musing he had noticed the toy shop, so brilliantly lighted that it could be easily seen through the hall window.