In a man of La Boulaye's calibre and mettle it was more befitting to seek a means to neutralise as much as possible the evil done.
He called Brutus and cross-questioned him regarding the attitude and behaviour of the soldiery since their coming.

He learnt that nothing had been touched by them, and that they were acting with the utmost discreetness, taking scrupulous care not to exceed the orders they had received, which amounted to detaining La Boulaye and nothing more.
"You think, then, that you might come and go unmolested ?" he asked.
"I think that I might certainly go.

But whether they would permit me to return once I had left, I cannot say.

So that they will let you pass out, that is all that signifies at the moment," said Caron.

"Should they question you, you can tell them that you are going to dine and to fetch me my dinner from Berthon's.