'Cosette...my child, I am not a saint. I am just a man.'

A pause, where he manages a smile.

'But yes, your father too.'

He does not know what to think about Javert, so does not try.

'I wanted to protect you, and I still do. Which is why...oh, your husband will understand, and you will listen to him, will you not? He will explain to you why it is not...why-'

He breaks off again, because he does not want to tell her his past. But it seems it may be the only thing that will let her understand.