The Benevolent and the Prying
Inasmuch as Fantine marveled at the spacious, well-kept factory, she dared not raise her eyes too far as she searched for the foreman's office. The young woman cautiously ambled along the hallways, taking care to speak as little as possible. However, Cosette was another story. The little girl giggled merrily, looked around at everything she passed, and a few times attempted to speak with the workers who chanced upon them.
At one point, Fantine scooped up her daughter. "Cosette, we must behave ourselves properly, or I won't find a place," she whispered into the child's ear.
Cosette heedlessly looked past her mother. "Maman, look!" she said cheerily, pointing to someone standing behind Fantine.
Fantne whirled around to find herself face to face with a gentleman with graying hair. "Good day to you, Monsieur," she said politely, bowing her head in deference.
"Your child is very charming, Madame," the man said. "You are seeking a job here?" he added.
"Yes, Monsieur," Fantine said more quietly, noting the neatness of this man's apparel. "Perhaps he is someone of importance."
Someone ran up the hallway in their direction. "Monsieur Madeleine!" a woman called loudly.
M. Madeleine turned and bowed by way of greeting. "Madame Victurnien, I was about to look for you," he said drolly.
Madame Victurnien stood up straight, primly smoothing down her dress. Her sharp eyes seemed rather harried, as if she had been called out of a very important matter. She did not seem to notice Fantine. "I cannot find the accounts of the funds," she said to M. Madeleine.
"They are in my office, Madame. I will have them returned to you as soon as I can," M. Madeleine said. He glanced towards Fantine. "This young lady needs a place in the workshop. See that she finds one, and is given her wages."
"Ah." Madame Victurnien said, looking at Fantine. Her eyes narrowed however when she caught sight of Cosette, who had her face buried in Fantine's dress.
M. Madeleine noticed the older woman's gaze. "Madame, have you any family in Montreui-sur-mer?" he asked Fantine.
"No, Monsieur," Fantine said calmly.
"Have you a place to keep your child?" Madame Victurnien asked. "Children are not allowed in the workshop."
Fantine felt her cheeks redden. "I will find a room by the end of the day."
"Arrangements can be made, just for today," M. Madeleine cut in. "I know you will want to take your wages home."
Madame Victurnien had been about to say something, but now she opened and closed her mouth as if the words had been taken out of it. At last, she nodded. "Very well then, Monsieur Mayor," she said deferentially.
"Thank you, Monsieur," Fantine said to M. Madeleine.
"Do not mention it," M. Madeleine said. "What is your name, Madame?"
"Fantine."
"Fantine and…."
Fantine turned even more scarlet. "I do not know, Monsieur."
M. Madeleine nodded understandingly. "And your daughter?"
"I call her Cosette," Fantine answered more proudly. She had thought of giving the child's real name Euphrasie, but she decided there was no need for it.
"Madame Victurnien will assist you. Good day, ladies," M. Madeleine said before continuing on his way. Fantine sighed with relief before she felt Madame Victurnien's hand on her arm.
"The workshop is this way," the woman said curtly. "Your place is near the door. There, your work will be explained to you. This is a glass and beads factory, and you must be careful."
Fantine momentarily glanced at her hands, wondering what condition they would be in after some weeks of working in the factory. "Thank you for your help, Madame Victurnien."
The older woman smiled with a look of self-satisfaction. "Your little girl's father---where is he?" she asked all of a sudden as they arrived at the workshop door.
Fantine swallowed hard. "He is gone."
"Dead?" Madame Victurnien asked.
Fantine nodded quickly. "To me."
Cosette stirred uneasily. "But Maman—"
"He's not coming back, Cosette," Fantine interrupted as she dared to step into the workshop, aware of all the eyes suddenly glancing at her.