When she looks at him, Valjean is calm to the point of serenity. His smiles are easy and affectionate; there is nothing about him that would not suggest her joy is equally shared within him.

When she is not looking at him - or he thinks she is not - the facade is not always so complete. It is harder these days, since the barricade and the sewer, to lift the weight closing around his heart. Every visit to Marius, every joyful twirl of Cosette's skirts in excitement at her betrothal, every second of every day that passes, brings him closer to the moment he dreads. It is impossible to keep the sadness at bay in every instant, though he does try.

He is not aware she is looking. His eyes are turned forward, and see nothing. But her hand is on his arm, and she is by his side. He feels her there, and it will keep him afloat a while yet.