The girl in the story had the misfortune of experiencing premature aging due to a life filled with hardship and poor choices. Although she was not born ugly, her circumstances transformed her youthful grace into something less appealing, reflecting the toll of her difficult existence.

At just sixteen, the remnants of her beauty shone through, reminiscent of soft sunlight struggling to break through dark clouds. This contrast highlights the tragic reality of her situation, as her potential for beauty is overshadowed by the challenges she faces, illustrating a poignant commentary on the effects of social issues in Victor Hugo's work, "Les Miserables."