"I was trying...to....l pass on the feeling I was shown to you," Jean says trying to understand himself but he isn't sure he can explain in the right way because his feelings about Javert are complicated. He understands where the man is coming from but he also wonders where the inspector has put his compassion. "I believe the saying is do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

"I never meant to cause you distress," Jean says, "but show you kindness."