Valjean escapes from jail but is recaptured and sentenced to death. His sentence is commuted to servitude for life. While imprisoned, he rescues a sailor which makes the public demand his release. He fakes his death. Arriving at Montfermeil on Christmas Eve, where Cosette is being held, he finds her in the woods alone fetching water, and walks her back. He observes how she is abused, and buys her an expensive doll. Éponine and Azelma, the daughters of the Thénardiers are very envious, and everyone else is furious. The next morning, he buys Cosette from their custody, and settles the price at 1,500 francs. Thénardier is furious that he did not demand more. They flee to Paris, living at Gorbeau House, but Javert discovers them, so they escape and find shelter in the Petit Picpus convent with the help of Fauchelevent.
