"If I don't do as I'm supposed to. If I try to run away... again." She stood watching, chewing on her sleeve.

"You must be careful. My Pa punched 'Zelma's hand through our window at home and didn't she cry forever? She cried all the more when I slapped the silly to shut her up, little good it did. I do not want you crying as well."

She pursed her lips. "They are called Game Makers. They are like the king and his police. It is they who make everything for us here. And these people go with it. They are all stupid, I think, but who ever listens to Eponine anyway?"