Les Misérables, Book 8: Cemeteries Take What Is Entrusted to Them, Chapter 1 summary

What happens

1. Jean Valjean wants to remain in the convent because Javert’s pursuit makes returning to Paris dangerous.
2. Fauchelevent decides to protect his rescuer despite not understanding his arrival or his connection to Cosette.
3. At daybreak, Fauchelevent explains that playing students can discover them, though prayers temporarily keep the children away.
4. The death bell sounds, and Fauchelevent insists that Jean Valjean must leave before gaining proper admission.
5. Fauchelevent proposes carrying Cosette out in a basket, but Jean Valjean also needs an unseen exit.
6. After describing burial arrangements, Fauchelevent answers a summons and finds the prioress waiting in the business parlor.

In this chapter

What to notice

The problem shifts from hiding inside the convent to arranging a secret departure and an acceptable return.

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