Les Misérables, Book 7: The Champmathieu Affair, Chapter 7 summary

What happens

1. M. Madeleine arrives after fourteen hours, learns his horse needs rest, and reserves a coach seat for one in the morning.
2. An older townsman guides him to the prefecture, where the courts meet while the courthouse undergoes repairs.
3. A lawyer’s account of a completed trial alarms him until he learns that the convicted person is a woman.
4. He hears that the convict’s trial continues, with the alleged apple theft uncertain but previous imprisonment established.
5. An usher refuses him entry because the courtroom is full, though seats reserved for officials remain.
6. After retreating downstairs, Madeleine writes his name and mayoral title and orders the usher to deliver them to the judge.

What to notice

Madeleine stops retreating and takes a definite step toward admission. His written name and office make the request an assertion of official standing.

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