These quarters are far too comfortable by his standards, but when has he ever been able to deny any suggestion Cosette makes? They do not feel like any kind of home, sporadic as his visits here are, but they are familiar enough and it is no hardship to find himself brought to them. When Marius stops pushing the chair he looks around - everything is as it was; a few books, the modern things he has never touched, a wardrobe and neatly-made bed.

He is suddenly aware that it is just the three of them, and if he is well enough to be released from the doctor's supervision, there are probably other things he cannot avoid. It is what it is; he pulls himself up out of the wheelchair and eases his way onto a normal seat without looking at either of them.

'We could send a rat for coffee or tea, if one may be found in the hall,' he ventures after a moment.