In a week's time, Jean Valjean remains bedridden, showing no signs of improvement. The portress expresses her concern to her husband, reflecting on Valjean's deep troubles and suggesting that his daughter's unfortunate marriage might be weighing heavily on him. Her sympathy is evident as she fears for his well-being, believing he may not survive much longer if his condition does not change.

The porter, however, adopts a pragmatic and somewhat harsh attitude, emphasizing that if Valjean has wealth, he should seek medical help; otherwise, he's resigned to his fate. He maintains that regardless of the presence of a doctor, death is ultimately inevitable, illustrating a stark and cold view of life and suffering.