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.
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