"I have a promise from the University of Orleans."
"But you must have attestations."
"Is there not Besons?"
"A certificate of good life and manners."
"I will have one signed by Noailles."
"No, there I defy you, abbe."
"Then your highness will give me one. The signature of the regent of France must have as much weight at Rome as that of a wicked cardinal."
"Dubois," said the regent, "a little more respect, if you please, for the princes of the Church."
"You are right, monseigneur. There is no saying what one may become."
"You, a cardinal!" cried the regent, laughing.