It was clearly impossible that he should go even as a prisoner, though a willing one, to France, and he did not see any reason why the Marquis de Montcalm should take any personal interest in his future.

But responding invariably to the temperature about him his manner was now as polite as that of the French general.
"You have my thanks, sir," he said, "for the kindly way in which you offer to treat a prisoner, but it is impossible for me to go to France, unless you should choose to send me there by sheer force." The slight smile passed again over the face of the Marquis de Montcalm.
"I fancied, young sir," he said, "that this would be your answer, and, being what it is, I cannot say that it has lowered you aught in my esteem.
For the present, you abide with us." Robert bowed.

Montcalm inspired in him a certain liking, and a decided respect.

Then, still under the escort of Langlade, he withdrew..