It's allusion enough for Combeferre. His brow furrows. "What did Marius say to you? That--"

He breaks off. "Monsieur, please don't let young Marius and his misguided notions banish you from your daughter's house. If he's the master of their house, she is its mistress, and surely deserves a say. You say you see her daily--well and good, please don't let him change that." He sighs, and gestures at the food again. "And please, eat, if you will."