"Yes, it is. I believe Pontmercy's father fought with him, or something along those lines. In any case, at the mention of Waterloo, Pontmercy went into raptures -- for five or ten minutes at least-- over Buonaparte's greatness and the glory of France, that sort of thing; and asked what could better than conquering the world." He's trying his very best to hide a smile, but it's not working at all that well, it lingers in his eyes and the side of his lips are twitching.

"Combeferre answered him with one sentence: 'to be free.' Then he left the room. I told Pontmercy exactly where my own priorities lay, as well." There is a pause. "...He did not come back for some time after that, but he did come back. Eventually."