His voice was monotonous, as he continued:
"You are not ignorant, sir, of how greatly the conduct of the Vicomte de Talizac has compromised himself and his family."
"I beg your pardon," interrupted the Marquis, "but may I ask if you were not the companion of my son in most of his excesses?"
Fernando smiled satirically.
"Perhaps you are not quite aware of the part I played in these excesses. Monsieur de Talizac is not a child, to be influenced for good or evil by his friends. Perhaps, instead of accusing me, you should thank me for having saved the honor of your house more than once."
"Indeed, sir! I confess I do not understand."
"It seems to me," said Fernando, still very calm, "that we are wandering from the real subject of this conversation. A powerful Society, sir, attached above all else to the practice of all virtues and to the triumph of God's cause, has for a long time been watching you. Your influence and your talents all give a guarantee that you may become a most useful auxiliary to the society to which I have the honor to belong."
"The Society of Jesus?" interrupted the Marquis.
Fernando did not reply to this direct question other than with a slight bow.
"This society," he continued, "is disposed to come to your aid. It is they who have prevented His Majesty from revoking the favors shown to your son."