BOOK FIFTH: The End of Which is Unlike the Beginning

Summary

Cosette finds a mysterious stone on the bench beside the gate in her garden. Under it there is a lengthy letter filled with comments and musings on love. The letter is unsigned, but Cosette knows that it is from Marius, and it reawakens her feelings of love. That evening, she returns to the garden and finds him waiting for her. They talk, tell each other their names and become completely absorbed in each other.

Notes

MariusÂ’ letter resembles poetry in a rather clumsy way. It rambles on not unlike something by Sir Philip Sydney, and yet really says nothing. The two spend the coming evenings together, but never discover each otherÂ’s real identities or backgrounds. Valjean for the moment seems unaware of the proximity of Marius and is simply content to see Cosette return to her cheerful, smiling self. Valjean does not have the experience himself to recognize the signs of a young girl in love.

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