In others they may drive off the peasants, and march to the town that they intend to occupy, but they will only hold the ground they stand upon.

They will not be able to send out detached parties to attack chateaux or destroy villages.
"For the present, I have no fear whatever of their coming here.

We are well away from any of the roads that they are likely to march by.

I don't say that any of the roads are good, but they will assuredly keep on the principal lines, and not venture to entangle themselves in our country lanes.

There are no villages of any size within miles of us, and this is one of the most thickly wooded parts of the Bocage--which, as you know, means the thicket--therefore I shall, when the time comes, leave your sister without uneasiness.
We may be quite sure that if, contrary to my anticipation, any column should try to make its way through this neighbourhood, it would be hotly opposed, and she will have ample time to take to the woods, where she and the child will find shelter in any of the foresters' cottages.
"She is going to have peasant dresses made for her and Marthe.