If a wire brush were on hand, he would indeed take it at this point. Good Lord, he never imagined - no, he will not think of it. It is not important.

Instead, he thinks of a time where Javert was only too willing to speak, and wondering if he should want him to return to it. He has known the man to always talk much, and say little, but it clear that things are different now.

'You may ask.'