"
"I know it was! and God bless you for it, Philibert!" exclaimed the
Governor with emotion, as he grasped the hand of the patriotic
merchant.
"If we have preserved New France this year, it was through your
timely help in Acadia. The King's treasury was exhausted,"
continued the Governor, looking at Herr Kalm, "and ruin imminent,
when the noble merchant of the Chien d'Or fed, clothed, and paid the
King's troops for two months before the taking of Grand Pre from the
enemy!"
"No great thing in that, your Excellency," replied the Bourgeois,
who hated compliments to himself. "If those who have do not give,
how can you get from those who have not? You may lay some of it to
the account of Pierre too,--he was in Acadia, you know, Governor."
A flash of honest pride passed over the usually sedate features of
the Bourgeois at the mention of his son.
Le Gardeur looked at his sister. She knew instinctively that his
thoughts put into words would say, "He is worthy to be your father,
Amelie!" She blushed with a secret pleasure, but spoke not.
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