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“I am Jean Val Jean. I’ve spent nineteen years in prison

and they set me free just a few days ago.”

“But why were you sent to prison?” asked the

bishop.

“It’s so long ago, I forget. Yes, I remember! I had a

small cottage and there was my little sister. We had
no food and I could find no work. And then one day

she was hungry, so I stole some money to buy her

food. The cops caught me. I begged them to leave
me. I told them why I had stolen but they didn’t listen.

Then they sentenced me to five years for stealing and fourteen years for

trying to escape,” said the man.
“The night I was sentenced, I was told that my sister was dead. Ah, damn them, damn

them. God curse them all.” So saying, Jean Val sank on the table and
Why did Jean Val
sobbed uncontrollably. Jean go to prison?

“My son, you have suffered much but there is hope for you,” said the

bishop. “You have walked far and you are tired. Have your supper first and I’ll give you
a warm bed to sleep.” The bishop then told Maggie, his housekeeper, to set the table for

supper.

“Come, Jean Val Jean. Let’s have supper. Sit close to the fire and warm yourself. You must

be very cold,” said the bishop.

“You’re very kind sir. I haven’t seen such a kind person all my life,” said Jean. “I shall pay

you for the supper and also for a night’s lodging.”

“Let’s eat first and then have a good night’s sleep. There is plenty of time in the morning
to think of payments.”

After supper, the bishop led Jean Val Jean into another room. He showed him his bed.

“Now go to bed. Good night, my son,” said the bishop.

Jean Val Jean lay down on the soft bed and closed his eyes. For the first time in nineteen

years someone had treated him so kindly. For the first time in his life, he had eaten a
hearty meal, and he was allowed to sleep in peace.

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