So the garrison marched out with as much bravery and martial show as they could under the circumstances, and the citizens crowded the streets and ramparts to cheer them as they went, and watch with mingled feelings the entrance of the English troops into the town and the hoisting of the English flag.  Sobs broke from many, and a deep groan rose shudderingly upon the air; and yet there were very many in the city who cared little for the change of masters, if only they might be rid of the horrors of war.

Life had long been very difficult under the French rule.  So much official corruption existed, especially in the matter of supplies of food and other necessaries, that the unhappy people were forced to pay double and treble value for almost everything, and were being slowly bled to death, that a few functionaries like Bigot and Cadet might fatten and grow enormously rich.  They had begun to know that the English colonies were very differently governed; that they grew in strength and independence, and were encouraged, and not thwarted and hindered, in their internal development.  Although much smaller in extent than Canada, their population was double that of the French colony.  It was indeed the growing strength and prosperity of the English provinces which had excited the jealous animosity of the French, and had quickened their resolve to pen them in between mountain and sea, and hinder their development.  And this resolve had been followed by the commencement of that border warfare to which this was the sequel.

England knew better than let herself be penned within narrow limits.  She had broken through the bonds which held her back.  Now she was mistress of the key and capital of Canada.  It could only be a matter of time before the whole colony fell to her.

“It may be better for them in the end,” said Madame Drucour, heaving a long sigh as she watched the departure of the garrison, and saw the scarlet uniforms of the English flooding the streets of Quebec, “And yet it is hard to see it.  I knew it must come, but my heart is heavy within me.  If only we had made a more gallant fight, I should have felt it less.”

“There he is! there he is!” shouted Colin suddenly; “there is Fritz Neville!”

“Ah,” cried Madame Drucour, with a quick look of pleasure, “and there is Monsieur Julian Dautray too!  Get speech with them if you can, Colin, and bring them to supper at our house.  There is much I should like to ask them; and if some of the officers are to be billeted amongst us townsfolk, I would gladly have those two to care for.”

“I’ll go and see about it,” cried Colin.

“Take us with you,” cried the midshipmen, who had viewed the procession with swelling hearts, uttering now and then a British cheer, which mingled oddly with the sighs of the people.  However, since they had cheered the retiring troops as lustily as their own countrymen, no one took this amiss.  Indeed the young middies had made themselves popular in the town by this time, and had done something to promote a feeling of confidence in the goodwill and clemency of the victors.