The time takes place when the revolution ended. just the time Javert found Valjean carrying Marius to safety. Javert was about to arrest Valjean but suddenly changes his mind, so he let the man free and he said he will be waiting. While he was looking the man walking away he suddenly remembers something back what he said in Montreuil-sur-Mer. The confused inspector remembers the time together with monsieur Madeleine promise.