Mr. Madeleine had in his own house a small infirmary managed by two sisters.
This infirmary was located in a part adjacent to the main house, there was a ground floor with a kitchen and a dining room and an upper floor which had three bedrooms, one of which was occupied by the two sisters. Sister Perpetue and Sister Simplice. The first one was, according to appearance, the older of the two sisters. She was fair without being good, and her austere face had a monastic stiffness. She threw the good Lord to the poor as one would throw a penny. Sister Simplice, on the other hand, had that rare veil of goodness and purity on her face. She had sweetness in her eyes and on her lips. Sister Perpetua was not the opposite of Sister Simplice, the two of them, surprisingly, got along quite well and had a deep respect for each other.
They were just finishing dinner when a knock came at the door. The two sisters exchanged a glance.
"Perhaps the mayor has forgotten something, let's go quickly!" said Sister Simplice.
"I'll go!" Sister Perpétue was already at the door, she turned the key and opened it, not without caution. " Oh, good evening Inspector!".
"Good evening sister," Javert had removed his hat and bowed deeply to greet her. "I've come to see the prostitute"
Sister Perpétue looked at him at first with a puzzled look, then with curiosity and finally with distrust. "It's late, Fantine is asleep," replied Sister Perpétue.
"Already?" Javert put his hat back on.
"The poor girl is ill. Those are the instructions, Monsieur Inspector. You'll have to come back tomorrow.
"Monsieur the mayor is not here?"
"Monsieur Madeleine is in the house next door, do you need him?"
Javert looked embarrassed. If he had come this late, it was to avoid running into Monsieur the Mayor. In fact, he had no desire for the mayor to know that he had come to see the prostitute. " Will the mayor come to see the prostitute tomorrow?"
"Yes, as usual, at three o'clock. If you come back tomorrow, he'll be there too. Is it about the prostitute that you want to see him?"
"No, I haven't come for that," stuttered Javert. "It's a private matter, Sister," he said firmly but still respectfully. "Good evening, madame," said Javert. He bowed again to greet her and left Sister Perpétue alone on the threshold.