Indeed, so frowning and precipitous were these that nature herself seemed to be sufficient guard.
"Let the English come, and see what welcome we have got for them!" was a favourite exclamation from soldiers and townsfolk; yet all the same there was anxiety in the faces of those who watched daily for the first approach of the English sails.

Had not Louisbourg said the same, and yet had fallen before English hardihood and resolution?
Those in the highest places in this Canadian capital best knew the rotten condition into which her affairs had fallen.
The corruption amongst officials, the jealousy between Governor and General, the crafty self seeking of the Intendant--these and a hundred other things were enough to cause much anxiety at headquarters.

The grand schemes of the French for acquiring a whole vast continent were fast dwindling down to the anxious hope of being able to keep what they already possessed.
The girl gazing forth from the narrow window was turning over in her mind the things that she had heard.

Her fair face was grave, yet it was bright, too, and as she threw out her hand towards the vista of the great river rolling its mighty volume of water towards the sea, she suddenly exclaimed: "And what if they do come?
what if they do conquer?
Have we not deserved it?
have we not brought ruin upon our own heads by the wickedness and cruelty we have made our allies?
And if England's flag should one day wave over the fortress of Quebec, as it now does over that of Louisbourg, what is that to me?
Have I not English--or Scotch--blood in my veins?
Am I not as much English as French?
I sometimes think that, had I my choice, England would be the country where I should best love to dwell.

It is the land of freedom--all say that, even my good uncle, who knows so well.