In the novel, Jean Valjean, a former convict, seeks refuge at the Bishop of Digne's home but is caught stealing silverware and arrested. The Bishop, however, forgives Valjean and gives him additional silver candlesticks, telling the police that he had given them as a gift to Valjean. The Bishop's act of kindness and forgiveness have a profound impact on Valjean and change the course of his life.
The next morning, Valjean repays the Bishop's kindness by leaving the town and selling the stolen silver candlesticks, but instead of keeping the money, he uses it to create a new identity for himself and start a new life. Here is the textual evidence from the novel:
"Jean Valjean listened to these words as he would have listened to a voice from on high. He remained on his knees, with his head bowed, but with no sign of servility or flattery, rather like a man who is lost in thought. Suddenly he rose to his feet, took the two candlesticks, and handed them back to the Bishop.
'Monsieur Bishop,' he said, 'I cannot understand what you have done for me.'
The Bishop replied, 'Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I am buying for you. I withdraw it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God!'"
The novel goes on to explain that the next morning, the Bishop finds that Valjean has left and taken the silver candlesticks with him. But instead of feeling angry or disappointed, the Bishop smiles, knowing that Valjean has taken the first step towards redemption and a new life.