How we cite our quotes: (Part.Book.Chapter.Line)
Quote #10
Of all the torments he had suffered in his long trial by adversity, this was the worst. (4.15.1.25)
Jean Valjean has endured a lot of suffering in his lifetime, but—yep, this is the worst. In order to save Cosette, he has to let her go. (Proof that having a lot of money doesn't insulate you from suffering.) It's the final straw for Valjean, who starves himself into a slightly early grave.