Doing what is necessary

Meaning

Phrase.

Renaudin first promises that what is necessary will be done, allowing Julie to hear an undertaking to save her lover. After exploiting her, he defines the same expression as nothing more than applying the law. The verbal repetition matters: no explicit promise of release appears in his initial words, although the context invites the inference. The trap is not an innocent misunderstanding, since the narration records his cruel, mocking look and her recognition of a useless sacrifice.