We--the cavalry--went on to see what we could see around Centreville; but the rebels had burned it, so we came back here where we don't belong--a thousand useless men armed with a thousand useless weapons.

Because, dear, our lances are foolish things, picturesque but utterly unsuited to warfare in such a country as this.
"You see, I've become the sort of an ass who is storing up information and solving vast and intricate problems in order to be kind to my superiors when, struck with panic at their own tardily discovered incapacity, they rush to me in a body to ask me how to do it.
"Rush's Lancers are encamped near you now; our regiment is not far from them.

If I can run the guard I'll do it.

I'm longing to see you, dear.
"I've written to Celia, as you know, so she won't be too much astonished if I sneak into the gallery some night.
"I've seen a lot of Zouaves, the 5th, 9th, 10th, and other regiments, but not the 3rd.

What a mark they make of themselves in their scarlet and blue.