"
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.
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