He obeyed
the order, however. He had had his say, and flung himself heavily
upon his chair.
"The King's despatch demands respectful and loyal consideration,
remarked De Lery, a solid, grave officer of engineers, "and I doubt
not that upon a proper remonstrance from this council His Majesty
will graciously reconsider his order. The fall of Louisbourg is
ominous of the fall of Quebec. It is imperative to fortify the city
in time to meet the threatened invasion. The loss of Quebec would
be the loss of the Colony; and the loss of the Colony, the disgrace
of France and the ruin of our country."
"I cordially agree with the Chevalier de Lery," said La Corne St.
Luc; "he has spoken more sense than would be found in a shipload of
such despatches as that just read! Nay, your Excellency," continued
the old officer, smiling, "I shall not affront my sovereign by
believing that so ill-timed a missive came from him! Depend upon
it, His Majesty has neither seen nor sanctioned it. It is the work
of the minister and his mistresses, not the King's.
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