"I'm worried about of things," he replies in a huff. "Including work. I remember what it is not to have a job; I don't want to wind up fired because I reverted back to childhood." Though he knows the city provides them with a monthly stipend enough for rent and food, he hates the thought of not earning his own income.

"I suppose I could ask Courfeyrac," he says, much as he winces at the thought of his friend seeing him like this. "Oh no." He smacks his hand against his forehead. "It's his birthday party tonight, I almost forgot!"

Marius wrinkles his nose at the sight of the clothing in the window.

"Do they have to be this fancy, the clothes?'