"Ah, he's like that-- he taught himself, he wants to teach everyone. He's a very good painter, but you only have to hear him scold to know he missed his calling as a schoolmaster." Bahorel's grin is entirely fond, even if he is making fun a little.

But he turns a tone more serious as he goes on. "And your Cosette has a good heart, I know." No sense not asking after her. " You'll have seen her, since her family's been in the Bar. Is she well?"