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 much 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.
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