inquiring for the mayor

He had come in a simple way, had made a requisition on the neighboring post for a corporal
and four soldiers, had left the soldiers in the courtyard, had had Fantine's room pointed
out to him by the portress, who was utterly unsuspicious, accustomed as she was to seeing
armed men inquiring for the mayor.

On arriving at Fantine's chamber, Javert turned the handle, pushed the door open with the
gentleness of a sick-nurse or a police spy, and entered.

Properly speaking, he did not enter. He stood erect in the half-open door, his hat on his
head and his left hand thrust into his coat, which was buttoned up to the chin. In the bend
of his elbow the leaden head of his enormous cane, which was hidden behind him, could be
seen.

Thus he remained for nearly a minute, without his presence being perceived. All at once
Fantine raised her eyes, saw him, and made M. Madeleine turn round.

The instant that Madeleine's glance encountered Javert's glance, Javert, without stirring,
without moving from his post, without approaching him, became terrible. No human sentiment
can be as terrible as joy.

It was the visage of a demon who has just found his damned soul.