The Dejected

ACT I: FANTINE, SCENE I: THE BISHOP

ACT I - FANTINE

SCENE I - THE BISHOP

SETTING: Streets of France, Inn, Bishop's home

JEAN VALJEAN is walking through the streets. He is wearing tattered clothing and has a long beard and scars on his head. He is slightly hunched over but keeps a strong pace. He holds an old tree branch as a walking stick and carries a knapsack.

VALJEAN comes to a door and knocks. A HOST opens it.

HOST. May I be at your service, Monsieur?

VALJEAN. Something to eat. And lodging.

HOST. Easy enough. For pay.

VALJEAN. I have money.

HOST. Then I am at your service.

VALJEAN enters the home. Two PATRONS are sitting at the table, with a CHILD. PATRON ONE writes a note on a small scrap of paper from a tablet on the table, tears it off and hands it to the CHILD. CHILD runs offstage.

VALJEAN. Is dinner almost ready?

HOST. Yes, it'll be a few moments.

CHILD returns and hands the paper to HOST, who reads it.

VALJEAN. [Growing impatient] Is dinner ready?

HOST. My apologies, but we cannot have you here, Monsieur. I have no room.

VALJEAN. I can sleep anywhere. We will see after dinner.

HOST. I cannot give you dinner.

VALJEAN. I am at an inn! I will stay for dinner!

HOST. Go away!

VALJEAN exits the home and returns to the street. He continues walking until he comes to a bench outside and lies down. An OLD WOMAN enters and approaches him.

OLD WOMAN. My good man, what are you doing?

VALJEAN. I am intending to sleep here.

OLD WOMAN. You will be cold and hungry. Someone should give you lodging just out of pity.

VALJEAN. I have knocked at every door and no one will receive me.

OLD WOMAN. Every door? [VALJEAN nods] Even that one over there?

VALJEAN. Where?

OLD WOMAN. [Gestures] Knock there. [Smiles and exits]

VALJEAN gets off the bench and continues walking until he comes to the door. He knocks.

BISHOP. [From offstage] Come in!

VALJEAN opens the door quickly, with force, and enters. Two women, MADAME MAGLOIRE and MADEMOISELLE BAPTISTINE are standing by a table with chairs. A cupboard stands next to the table. MADAME MAGLOIRE trembles and clutches her sister's arm. The BISHOP approaches VALJEAN.

VALJEAN. Before you speak, my name is Jean Valjean. I am a convict, served nineteen years in the galleys. I was set free four days ago and I have been walking the streets, looking for somewhere to stay. Everyone has turned me away because of my yellow passport. I was going to sleep on a bench until a kind woman took pity and told me to knock here. Are you an inn? I have money. I am very tired and hungry from walking. Can I please stay?

BISHOP. Madame Magloire, get some food for the man.

VALJEAN. Do you not understand? Did you not hear me? I am a convict, I'm from the galleys. My passport is yellow. Everyone else has turned me away. Is this an inn? Can you give me something to eat and a place to stay? I can sleep in a stable.