1885), poet, dramatist, and
novelist, dominated the literature of France during
the nineteenth century. His novel, _Les
Miserables_, written in 1862, during Hugo's long
political exile, exemplifies his extensive
knowledge of the deplorable conditions of life in
France at that time, his understanding of the human
heart, and his marvelous literary ability.

In the following extract from _Les Miserables_, the
most famous character of the book, Jean Valjean, an
ex-convict, takes his first step toward final
regeneration by meeting Bishop D. The Bishop, known
also as Monseigneur Welcome, voluntarily lived a
simple and austere life with his sister and old
housekeeper, but had humored his one weakness by
retaining his table silver and handsome silver
candlesticks.

Valjean is speaking to the Bishop at the beginning
of the extract.

"You! Listen! I am Jean Valjean, the galley slave.
I was nineteen years in prison. Four days ago
they let me out and I started for Pontarlier. I have been
tramping for four days since I left Toulon, and to-day I
walked twelve leagues. When I came into the town this 5
evening I went to the inn, but because of my yellow passport
that I had shown at the police office, they drove me
out. Then I went to the other inn and the landlord said
to me, 'Off with you!' Everywhere it was the same;
no one would have anything to do with me. Even the 10
jailer of the prison would not take me in. So I was lying
on a stone in the square, when a good woman came along
and she said to me, pointing to this place, 'Knock there.
They will take you in.' What is this? Is it an inn? I
have money--all that I earned in the prison for nineteen
years--109 francs and 15 sous. I will pay. I am terribly
tired and almost famished. Will you let me stay here?"

"Madame Magloire," said the Bishop to his aged housekeeper,
"you will please lay another place for supper." 5

Jean Valjean shuffled to the table where the lamp stood.
He took a large yellow paper from his pocket and unfolded
it. "Wait," he said, "You don't seem to understand. I
am a galley slave, a convict, just from prison. This is
my yellow passport which makes everyone drive me away. 10
You