He was Count Philibert in Normandy, although he is plain
Bourgeois Philibert in Quebec; and a wise man he is too, for with
his ships and his comptoirs and his ledgers he has traded himself
into being the richest man in New France, while we, with our
nobility and our swords, have fought ourselves poor, and receive
nothing but contempt from the ungrateful courtiers of Versailles."
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden rush of people,
making room for the passage of the Regiment of Bearn, which composed
part of the garrison of Quebec, on their march to their morning
drill and guard-mounting,--bold, dashing Gascons in blue and white
uniforms, tall caps, and long queues rollicking down their supple
backs, seldom seen by an enemy.
Mounted officers, laced and ruffled, gaily rode in front.
Subalterns with spontoons and sergeants with halberds dressed the
long line of glistening bayonets. The drums and fifes made the
streets ring again, while the men in full chorus, a gorge deployee,
chanted the gay refrain of La Belle Canadienne in honor of the
lasses of Quebec.
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