All this was uttered in a proud, humble, despairing, yet convinced tone, which lent indescribable grandeur to this singular, honest man.
“We shall see,” said M. Madeleine.
And he offered him his hand.
Javert recoiled, and said in a wild voice:—
“Excuse me, Mr. Mayor, but this must not be. A mayor does not offer his hand to a police spy.”
He added between his teeth:—
“A police spy, yes; from the moment when I have misused the police. I am no more than a police spy.”
Then he bowed profoundly, and directed his steps towards the door.
There he wheeled round, and with eyes still downcast:—
“ Mr. Mayor,” he said, “I shall continue to serve until I am superseded.”
He withdrew. M. Madeleine remained thoughtfully listening to the firm, sure step, which died away on the pavement of the corridor.