“Who has just nominated a general of the Jesuits, according to the usual custom.”
“Is it usual, indeed?”
“Were you not aware of it?”
“I beg your pardon; I was inattentive.”
“You must be aware of that—you who were on such good terms with the Franciscan.”
“With the general of the Jesuits, you mean?”
“Exactly. Well, then, I have seen the king of Spain, who wished to do me a service, but was unable. He gave me recommendations, however, to Flanders, both for myself and for Laicques too; and conferred a pension on me out of the funds belonging to the order.”
“Of Jesuits?”
“Yes. The general—I mean the Franciscan—was sent to me; and, for the purpose of conforming with the requisitions of the statues of the order, and of entitling me to the pension, I was reputed to be in a position to render certain services. You are aware that that is the rule?”
“No, I did not know it,” said Aramis.