“ St. Peter, on the contrary, of whom the popes are the successors,” continued the Jesuit; “ porrige digitos ⁠—present the fingers. Are you there, now?”

“ Certes ,” replied Aramis, in a pleased tone, “but the thing is subtle.”

“The fingers ,” resumed the Jesuit, “ St. Peter blessed with the fingers . The Pope, therefore blesses with the fingers. And with how many fingers does he bless? With three fingers, to be sure⁠—one for the Father, one for the Son, and one for the Holy Ghost.”