"No," he said violently, "it is impossible!"
"Why impossible?"
"Marianne!..."
"You shall write to her to relieve her anxiety."
"What shall I tell her, my friend?"
"Tell her that you have met the Bishop of Versailles, and that he has given you leave to go to Havre."
"That would be lying!"
"To lie for a good motive is not a sin, but a virtue."
"She will not believe me."
"You can show her the permit signed by the bishop."