Valjean has no will to object, and little pride. It is alarming how weak he feels; he who is used to feeling strong enough to carry anything. But it lacks the edge of fatality he felt just a few days, so he will trust Joly's assessment that this will not last forever.

He leans as little as he can on Marius's shoulder, knowing that it was injured and not wanting to pressure it.

'Thank you,' he says, to all of them. It seems so inadequate, but he does not know what else will do.