"Of course I shall stay," he said, kicking his feet below the surface to try to stay afloat. The water sloshed up over his lips, coming dangerously close to his nose. "Please do not cry, Eponine. I am sorry to have let you down once more. It was never my intention for anyone to be hurt, let alone you."

Courfeyrac wanted to comfort her, to provide some sort of solace, but he didn't quite have it in him to do so. Instead, he reached to touch her cheek, shaking his head sadly. "Let's not be too scared. Whatever happens, we must be brave now, yes? You are a brave girl. I know you've some fight in you."