"But you are a gentleman, Monsieur." She laughed her grating laugh. "It is not done for you to be called so by a woman like me." She was always careful of class boundaries, always very much aware of her place in the pecking order of life. Unfortunately, that happened to be at the bottom - but she had accepted that a long time ago.

"Is it fair? I do not mind, Sir. I was not expecting anything in return. It is enough to know that you will be safe."

You being Marius, of course. Enjolras she couldn't give a joss about. But helping him meant helping Marius so she would help to the best of her ability.

"I am more clever than I look, I promise, Sir. I can read and write you know - no mistakes. And I know some numbers too. I know loads of things. I could have been a student like you."