There was but scanty attempt at pavements in this outlying quarter of the town, and Armand had much ado to keep his footing on the uneven and intermittent stones that did duty for roads in these parts.

But this discomfort did not trouble him just now.

One thought--and one alone--was clear in his mind: he must see Jeanne before he left Paris.
He did not pause to think how he could accomplish that at this hour of the day.

All he knew was that he must obey his chief, and that he must see Jeanne.

He would see her, explain to her that he must leave Paris immediately, and beg her to make her preparations quickly, so that she might meet him as soon as maybe, and accompany him to England straight away.
He did not feel that he was being disloyal by trying to see Jeanne.
He had thrown prudence to the winds, not realising that his imprudence would and did jeopardise, not only the success of his chief's plans, but also his life and that of his friends.