At least the man seems to have some sort of sense. Javert considers the question for a moment, how easily he would have refrained if it was asked of him two months ago. Drinking is an indulgence, something Javert doesn't allow himself to partake in unless it's a single glass of wine with dinner. Anything else is too much, but if he has already declined to fight, what would the townspeople say if they saw him decline to drink? He would be considered rebellious, disobedient — everything Javert has always hated to be.

"No," he says, moving off toward the stalls. "The townspeople would not be pleased. They expect all of us to participate, to honor their merrymaking and their culture. There's not much of a decision to be made."