ICSE Class 8 Answered

When the bishop took in Jean Valjean, all that he wanted to do was show kindness and gratitude in the name of God. John Valjean on the other hand, hardened by prison life, was insensitive and untrustworthy of the outside world, and not in rational senses because of hunger and fatigue. Nevertheless, the bishop welcomes him and fed him. Not only that, but the bishop also allowed him to rest for the night. John Valjean, after having eaten and seen the bishop retire to bed, looked around the place and saw the silver candlesticks, which the bishop said were a memory of his mother. For a moment John may have overcome with gratitude for all the kindness shown by the bishop, but eventually, the emotion passed and he thought how the candlesticks could help him start afresh.