"Three years."
"And have stayed at Madrid?"
"Fifteen months."
"You are in a position, then, to become a naturalized Spaniard, when you like."
"Really?" said Aramis, with a frankness which deceived the duchesse.
"Undoubtedly. Two years' residence and an acquaintance with the language are indispensable. You have upward of four years—more than double the time necessary."
"What are you driving at, duchesse?"
"At this—I am on good terms with the king of Spain."
"And I am not on bad terms," thought Aramis to himself.
"Shall I ask the king," continued the duchesse, "to confer the succession to the Franciscan's post upon you?"