Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Meanwhile...

Although Conrad told Maxen to return to his room, which was located on the opposite wing from Cosette's room, Maxen didn't go back to his room. Instead, after a lot of contemplation, he paced back and forth in the lobby before sneaking to the section of the mansion where she would take to go back to her room. 

He might get in trouble, but he was worried. He wanted to talk to Cosette and apologize if she got scolded because he sold her — or rather, the two of them out. Maxen paced restlessly in the corridor, ruffling his hair in irritation from time to time, and spatting a few chosen cursed words under his breath. 

'I should've let my guilt eat me!' he scolded himself, planting his palms against the wall. His breathing had turned heavy from the tension filling his chest. He was aware Conrad would never raise his hand on his daughter. However, that was still not enough to stop him from worrying.