“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 me to do 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?”