M. Madeleine sat erect in his armchair. Javert went on, with a severe air and his eyes still cast down.
“Mr. Mayor, I have come to request you to instigate the authorities to dismiss me.”
M. Madeleine opened his mouth in amazement. Javert interrupted him:—
“You will say that I might have handed in my resignation, but that does not suffice. Handing in one’s resignation is honorable. I have failed in my duty; I ought to be punished; I must be turned out.”
And after a pause he added:—
“Mr. Mayor, you were severe with me the other day, and unjustly. Be so to-day, with justice.”
“Come, now! Why?” exclaimed M. Madeleine. “What nonsense is this? What is the meaning of this? What culpable act have you been guilty of towards me? What have you done to me? What are your wrongs with regard to me? You accuse yourself; you wish to be superseded—”
“Turned out,” said Javert.
“Turned out; so it be, then. That is well. I do not understand.”
“You shall understand, Mr. Mayor.”