At the same time, Marius draws away from his grandfather. He has always found him uncongenial; now his dislike becomes more specific. He blames the old man for the stupid prejudice that deprived him of a father's love. He becomes distant and cold, and frequently takes short trips away from home. During one of these, he goes to look for Thénardier, his father's rescuer, but Thénardier has gone bankrupt, the inn is closed, and its owner has disappeared.
Marius' periodic absences have aroused the curiosity of Mlle. Gillenormand, especially since she scents a juicy scandal. She sends another nephew, Théodule, who has never met his cousin, to find out what Marius is doing. Théodule does not obey, but he accidentally finds himself on the same coach and travels with Marius to Vernon.
At Vernon, both young men get off the coach, and Marius buys a beautiful bouquet from a flower vendor. Théodule follows him, expecting to observe a tender rendezvous. Instead, he finds a somber tête-à-tête with a tomb. Marius has taken his flowers to a cross on which is inscribed the name "Colonel Baron Pontmercy."
Théodule does not report what he has learned, but later on, M. Gillenormand investigates Marius' room and discovers Pontmercy's note to his son and the visiting cards. When Marius returns, there is a heated confrontation and bitter words are exchanged, words too bitter to be forgotten. Marius leaves his home forever. With thirty francs in his pocket, his watch, a few clothes, and only vague plans in mind, he sets out for the Latin Quarter.
