Fauchelevent. A name that Valjean had not heard in some time. It was in saving this man from being crushed by his cart that “Madeleine”, then mayor, had first revealed himself as Jean Valjean to the ever suspicious and watchful Javert. So we return here full circle.
Two years before this Jean Valjean had risked his own life and set in motion the wheels that would lead to his apprehension and to Javert’s relentless pursuit of him. Now, having planted those seeds of kindness, seeds that valued the life of others above all else, he finds himself reaping the fruits of it at a time of desperate need.
Fauchelevent does not know what is happening. All he knows is that “Madeleine” is here at the convent and has asked that he can stay without question. This is a respite from the pursuit, but not a full solution. We are left with many questions as to what will happen next, and many questions about the convent itself. They will all need to await an answer!
Will this convent prove to be a safe home for Cosette to grow? Will Valjean have to leave her here, denying himself for the sake of the child? Will there ever be peace for him?