ch in accord
with the feelings of the gallant officers present to excite other
than marks of approbation, except among a few personal friends of the
Intendant, who took their cue from the avowed wishes of the Court.

"What reason does His Majesty give," asked La Corne St. Luc, "for this
singular communication?"

"The only reason given is found in the concluding paragraph of the
despatch. I will allow the Secretary to read so much of it, and no more,
before the Intendant arrives." The Governor looked up at the great clock
in the hall with a grim glance of impatience, as if mentally calling
down anything but a blessing upon the head of the loitering Intendant.

"The Count de le Galissoniere ought to know," said the despatch
sneeringly, "that works like those of Quebec are not to be undertaken
by the governors of colonies, except under express orders from the King;
and therefore it is His Majesty's desire that upon the reception of this
despatch your Excellency will discontinue the works that have been begun
upon Quebec. Extensive fortifications require strong garrisons for
their defence, and the King's treasury is already exhausted by the
extraordinary expenses of the war in Europe. It cannot at the same time
carry on the war in Europe and meet the heavy drafts made upon it from
North America."

The Secretary folded the despatch, and sat down without altering a line
of his impassive face. Not so the majority of the officers round the
table: they were excited, and ready to spring up in their indignation.
The King's name restrained them all but Rigaud de Vaudreuil, who
impetuously burst out with an oath, exclaiming,--"They may as well sell
New France at once to the enemy, if we are not to defend Quebec! The
treasury wants money for the war in Europe forsooth! No doubt it wants
money for the war when so much is lavished upon the pimps, panders, and
harlots of the Court!"

The Governor rose suddenly, striking the table with his scabbard to stop
Rigaud in his rash and dangerous speech.

"Not a word more of comment, Chevalier Rigaud!" said he, with a sharp
imperative tone that cut short debate; "not another word! His Majesty's
name and those of his ministers must be spoken here respectfully, or not
at all! Sit down, Chevalier de Vaudreuil; you are inconsiderate."

"I obey your Excellency--I am, I dare say, inconsiderate! but I am
right!" Rigaud's passion was subsiding, but not spent. He obeyed the
order, however. He had