This song introduces the audience to Marius and first shows the post-time skip(s) versions of Cosette, Eponine, Valjean, Javert, and the Thenardiers. Marius and Eponine speak, and we learn that Eponine is in love with him but he is oblivious. The Thenardiers try to swindle Valjean but when M. Thenardier realizes who Valjean is, he starts a fight. Before it can escalate Javert appears. Valjean and Cosette, who had met and briefly was with Marius, escape. Javert is suspicious of this and reasons that the man who had left was indeed Valjean.