"Don't worry, I can do that. We send a note with the rats--er, they're the servants here. You'll see. And of course, we won't leave your father here alone." This is in answer to Cosette's commendable determination to stay with her father. "I'll be here all night, and then there's the next shift; and I'm happy to make up a bed for you, if you like, and we can order in something to eat, even. There is nothing more important to do here right now than seeing your father and yourselves well." That is completely true.

And Poor Mme. Pontmercy is obviously so worried about taking care of everyone else, and of course she is, but... "If you have any questions at all I might answer, or there's anything I can do to make your father or yourselves more comfortable here, please let me know. Remember it's my job to make sure you're all well, here." He smiles a little as he says the last, but really, it is Joly's job, not Marius' , not his wife's. If Marius were here alone, he would go farther, say don't be ridiculous, we get to worry about you here and not the other way around, tease him for trying to be too brave in the circumstances. But Marius isn't alone, and Joly isn't nearly familiar enough with Mme. Pontmercy to know how best to address her beyond friendly politeness.

So for now he heads back to the desk to write a note. "I'll just send for your mother, Mme. Pontmercy-- it's Madame Fantine here, isn't it?"