He nods. "That book, yes. I hadn't known he was in it at all, you know how he is with names! -- and by the time I knew it was him I was reading about, it was too late, I'd read what he would probably call 'the worst'. Hah, it's all nothing, of course; nothing really against him. But then you know how it is, some people will condemn for anything if they get a chance. I don't blame him for wanting to keep things quiet-- but that he's ashamed of it, that I can't understand." That's not a condemnation or even a dismissal as much as an admission; Valjean's insistence on his own shame is an utterly perplexing thing.

It's something he doesn't have to understand, may not have the right to understand-- another man's heart, not intentionally shared-- so he shakes his head and shakes the thought away.

"The book's not always right. If it were, that spying policeman would be dead; but then, so would your Madeleine. And for what a reason!" A heart is its own business. But actions are another thing. "But he did the rest of what it said he would do--and then some, if he lied to you about it, for whatever reason. You say, Javert, and that makes sense. But then, why not simply tell any of us, when we asked after him? " He frowns again, thinking. "No, something's missing. But it's a good thought, about the spy."