Joly reaches out to press Marius' shoulder again, and keeps the contact, for what little stability or comfort it might offer against whatever terrible news has his friend so troubled. When Cosette says she doesn't understand, he nods in agreement with her. "I don't know what news has come to you; but here, whatever sort of trouble has found you, you've no need to hide it, you're with friends."

He meets Cosette's eyes. "And we'll do whatever we can for you, all of you, here. You're quite right about your father, Madame, I know. I've seen it; he is a hero, a wonderful man. " She seems strangely worried that he believe it; well, he does.