And we admired the beauty of military orderliness and France's preparation.
Sometimes, at windows or street-corners, there were apparitions--people covered with new uniforms.

We had known them in vain, and did not know them at first.

Count d'Orchamp, lieutenant in the Active Reserves, and Dr.Bardoux, town-major, displaying the cross of the Legion of Honor, found themselves surrounded by respectful astonishment.

Adjutant Marcassin rose suddenly to the eyes as though he had come out of the earth; Marcassin, brand-new, rigid, in blue and red, with his gold stripe.

One saw him afar, fascinating the groups of urchins who a week ago threw stones at him.
"The old lot--the little ones, and the middling ones and the big ones--all getting new clothes!" says a triumphant woman of the people.
Another said it was the coming of a new reign.
* * * * * * From the Friday onwards I was engrossed by my own departure.