OFFICER.  Ah, then what he said was true.  But, of course, we did not believe him.  We saw him creeping from your garden—­

BISHOP.  It is all right, I assure you.  This man is a friend of mine.

OFFICER.  Then we can let him go?

BISHOP.  Certainly.

[Soldiers step back.]

JEAN (trembling).  I am free?

OFFICER.  Yes!  You can go.  Do you not understand?

[Steps back.]

BISHOP (to Jean).  My friend, before you go away—­here are your candlesticks (going to the mantel and bringing the candlesticks); take them.

[Jean takes the candlesticks, seeming not to know what he is doing.]

By the way, my friend, when you come again you need not come through the garden.  The front door is closed only with a latch, day or night. (To the Officer and Soldiers.) Gentlemen, you may withdraw.

[Exit Officer and Soldiers.]

JEAN (recoiling and holding out the candlesticks). 
No—­no—­I—­I—­

BISHOP.  Say no more; I understand.  You felt that they were all owing to you from a world that had used you ill.  Keep them, my friend, keep them.  I would I had more to give you.  It is small recompense for nineteen years.

[Jean stands bewildered, looking down at the candlesticks in his hands.]

They will add something to your hundred francs.  But do not forget, never forget, that you have promised to use the money in becoming an honest man.

JEAN.  I—­promised—?

BISHOP (not heeding).  Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good.  It is your soul that I am buying for you:  I withdraw it from thoughts of hatred and revenge—­I give it to peace and hope and God.

[Jean stands as if stunned, staring at the Bishop, then turns and walks unsteadily from the room.]

SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDY

Jean Valjean, as a young man, was sent to the galleys for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s hungry children.  From time to time, when he tried to escape, his sentence was increased, so that he spent nineteen years as a convict.  Scene I of Miss Stevenson’s dramatization shows Jean Valjean being turned away from the inn because he has been in prison.

What does the stage setting tell of the Bishop and his sister?  Notice, as you read, why each of the items in the stage setting is mentioned.  Why is Madame made to leave the room—­how does her absence help the action of the play?  What is the purpose of the conversation about the weather?  About the carriage hire?  Why is the Bishop not more excited at Madame’s news?  What is gained by the talk about the silver?  Notice the dramatic value of the Bishop’s speech beginning “Stay!” Why does Jean Valjean speak so roughly when he enters?  Why does he not try to