That afternoon in the infirmary Fantine watches nothing but the clock. Mayor Madeleine always came at three. From half past two she asks the time more than ten times in twenty minutes.
When three strikes, Fantine raises herself with difficulty and stares at the door. It does not open. She lies back, and each time the clock strikes she sits up to look at the door and lies back again. At five she says, very low: I’m leaving tomorrow, and he doesn’t come today.
Around six Sister Simplice sends to find out, and learns that the mayor drove off alone in a small gig before dawn. Fantine overhears the whispering and demands to know why. The servant murmurs to the sister to say he is busy at the town council. The sister blushes for a moment, then tells the truth: The mayor has gone away. Fantine’s face lights up. He’s gone to fetch Cosette!