"There are many who should be able, and many who do," replied the regent. "By the body of the Lord! we get nothing but information regarding these provinces of New France, and each advice is worse than the one preceding it. The gist of it all is that my Lord Governor and my very good intendant can never agree, save upon one point or so. They want more money, and they want more soldiers—ah, yes, to be sure, they also want more women, though we sent them out a ship load of choice beauties not more than a six-month ago. But tell me, Monsieur L'as, is it indeed true that you have traveled in America?"
"For a short time."
"I have heard nothing regarding you from the intendant at Quebec."
"Your Grace was not at that time caring for intendants. 'Twas many years ago, and I was not well known at Quebec by my own name."
"Eh bien? Some adventure, then, perhaps? A woman at the bottom of it, I warrant."
"Your Grace is right."
"'Twas like you, for a fellow of good zest. May God bless all fair dames. And as to what you found in thus following—or was it in fleeing—your divinity?"
"I found many things. For one, that this America is the greatest country of the world. Neither England nor France is to be compared with it."
The regent fell back in his chair and laughed heartily.
"Monsieur, you are indeed, as I have ever found you, of most excellent wit. You please me enormously."