He assured Juliette that their absence would be of short duration; that there was indeed no danger, but that he was acceding to the urgent persuasions of Barebone and Colville, who were perhaps unnecessarily alarmed--who did not understand how affairs were conducted in France.

He felt assured that law and order must prevail.
"But if they have put Albert de Chantonnay in prison, why should you be safe ?" asked Juliette.

To which the Marquis replied with a meaning cackle that she had a kind heart, and that it was only natural that it should be occupied at that moment with thoughts of that excellent young man who, in his turn, was doubtless thinking of her in his cell at La Rochelle.
Which playful allusion to Albert de Chantonnay's pretensions was received by their object with a calm indifference.
"When Jean returns," she said, practically, "I will send him to you at the Bremonts' cottage with food and clothing.

But you must not attempt to communicate with us.

You would only betray your whereabouts and do no good to us.