The Major bowed.
"As you are an officer, my lord," he said, "you are aware that his Eminence the Cardinal, although he is a great man, is not very liberal to officers whose infirmity or wounds compel them to quit the service."
"That is true."
"The governors of fortresses more especially, although nominated by the King, being obliged to pay a long price to their predecessors for the office, are reduced to a perfect state of want, if they have not saved up some money."
"I was not aware of that circumstance, sir, and fancied that the governorship of a fortress was a reward."
"So it is, my lord, but we have to pay for the command of fortresses like this, which are employed as state prisons."
"Ah! Very good."
"You understand, it is supposed that the governor makes a profit by the prisoners intrusted to his keeping."
"Of course, sir; are there at present many unhappy men who have incurred the displeasure of His Eminence detained in this castle?"
"Alas, sir, you are the only one, and that is exactly the reason why I desire to have an amicable settlement with you."