sh
alliance.

Pending the arrival of the Royal Intendant the members of the Council
indulged freely in conversation bearing more or less upon the important
matters to be discussed,--the state of the country, the movements of
the enemy, and not seldom intermingled remarks of dissatisfaction and
impatience at the absence of the Intendant.

The revel at Beaumanoir was well known to them; and eyes flashed
and lips curled in open scorn at the well-understood reason of the
Intendant's delay.

"My private letters by the Fleur-de-Lis," remarked Beauharnais, "relate,
among other Court gossip, that orders will be sent out to stop the
defensive works at Quebec, and pull down what is built! They think
the cost of walls round our city can be better bestowed on political
favorites and certain high personages at Court." Beauharnais turned
towards the Governor. "Has your Excellency heard aught of this?" asked
he.

"Yes! It is true enough, Beauharnais! I also have received
communications to that effect!" replied the Governor, with an effort at
calmness which ill-concealed the shame and disgust that filled his soul.

There was an indignant stir among the officers, and many lips seemed
trembling with speech. The impetuous Rigaud de Vaudreuil broke the
fierce silence. He struck his fist heavily on the table.

"Ordered us to stop the building of the walls of Quebec, and to pull
down what we have done by virtue of the King's corvee!--did I hear your
Excellency right?" repeated he in a tone of utmost incredulity. "The
King is surely mad to think of such a thing!"

"Yes, Rigaud! it is as I tell you; but we must respect the royal
command, and treat His Majesty's name as becomes loyal servants."

"Ventre saint bleu!--heard ever Canadian or Frenchman such moonshine
madness! I repeat it, your Excellency--dismantle Quebec? How in God's
name are the King's dominions and the King's subjects to be defended?"
Rigaud got warmer. He was fearless, and would, as every one knew, have
out his say had the King been present in person. "Be assured, your
Excellency, it is not the King who orders that affront to his faithful
colony; it is the King's ministers--the King's mistresses--the
snuff-box-tapping courtiers at Versailles, who can spend the public
money in more elegant ways than in raising up walls round our brave old
city! Ancient honor and chivalry of France! what has become of you?"

Rigaud sat down angrily; the emotion he displayed was too mu