Sucking on the cigarette and having a moment to himself seems to slow Scout's weepings. They taper off, his breath raw and watery. He's smoked his cigarette down to the butt, so he grinds out the spark on the ground before taking another from the box Gavroche offered.

"Alright, guess that makes sense," Gavroche says with a shrug. Yes, making sure that Lamb really wants to stay or give him a way to leave seems like the right call. Gavroche doesn't know much about having kids or wives, but he expects most grownups to care about theirs. Most.

Gavroche holds up a hand and wags his finger. For a moment, it's clear he's imitating someone, probably his mother. "But it's no good to boss him around. Grownups think they can boss us around just 'cuz they're grown up, but that's not how that works. Only grownups who show up get to tell us what to do. The only grownups who I listen to are Mom, the Limping Lady, and Mama Ember."