Jean Valjean made no attempt to disengage the hand which grasped the collar of his coat. He said:⁠—

“Javert⁠—”

Javert interrupted him: “Call me Mr. Inspector.”

“Monsieur,” said Jean Valjean, “I should like to say a word to you in private.”

“Aloud! Say it aloud!” replied Javert; “people are in the habit of talking aloud to me.”

Jean Valjean went on in a lower tone:⁠—

“I have a request to make of you⁠—”

“I tell you to speak loud.”

“But you alone should hear it⁠—”