"Speak up," Javert answered; "people talk aloud to me."
Jean Valjean went on in a low voice,—
"It is a request I have to make of you."
"I tell you to speak up."
"But it must only be heard by yourself—"
"What do I care for that? I am not listening!"
Jean Valjean turned to him and said rapidly, and in a very low voice,—
"Grant me three days,—three days to go and fetch this unhappy woman's child! I will pay whatever you ask, and you can accompany me if you like."
"You must be joking," Javert cried. "Why, I did not think you such a fool! You ask three days of me that you may bolt! You say that it is to fetch this girl's brat! Ah, ah, that is rich, very rich!"
Fantine had a tremor.