[That he is a mild man makes his temper all the more dangerous, just as a gunshot is more frightening when preceded by silence. His features turn stern at once and his words sharpen.]
She is my daughter, monsieur.
[For him, silence is not something that needs to be filled. Silence is peace; it is a shroud in which he can hide. He had grown used to the quiet of the convent at Petit-Picpus, with Fauchelevent and the gardens his only company for much of the day, broken up by those blessed hours with Cosette. As far as he is concerned, the silence suits him until the time comes that she is well enough to awaken and brighten his days once more.]
no subject
She is my daughter, monsieur.
[For him, silence is not something that needs to be filled. Silence is peace; it is a shroud in which he can hide. He had grown used to the quiet of the convent at Petit-Picpus, with Fauchelevent and the gardens his only company for much of the day, broken up by those blessed hours with Cosette. As far as he is concerned, the silence suits him until the time comes that she is well enough to awaken and brighten his days once more.]