"You can tell her I won't hurt her. I have very little interest in meeting her again."

It's fortunate Eponine can't see Eva's eyes right now, fixed on a place on the wall as she continues to work her fingers over the girl's new plait. Eva's eyes convey a depth of sadness for something so flat. She wonders, maybe, if she could have made a life with Eponine, could have found satisfaction without the revenge that animates her like a corpse from the grave.

If she gave up her vendetta now, she wonders what would happen. She doesn't entertain the thought long, but for a moment...

"You know all our time is but for the grace of God, Eponine. I may yet die."