The regiments of infantry which Desnoyers had seen in Berlin reflecting
the light on metal and leather straps, the magnificent and terrifying
Hussars, the Cuirassiers in pure white uniform like the paladins of the
Holy Grail, the artillerymen with breasts crossed with white bands, all
the military variations that on parade had drawn forth the Hartrotts'
sighs of admiration--these were now all unified and mixed together,
of uniform color, all in greenish mustard like the dusty lizards that,
slipping along, try to be confounded with the earth.
The persistency of the iron discipline was easily discernible. A word
from the chiefs, the sound of a whistle, and they all grouped themselves
together, the human being disappearing in the throngs of automatons; but
danger, weariness, and the uncertainty of triumph had for the time
being brought officers and men nearer together, obliterating caste
distinction. The officers were coming part way out of their overbearing,
haughty seclusion, and were condescending to talk with the lower orders
so as to revive their courage. One effort more and they would overwhelm
both French and English, repeating the triumph of Sedan, whose
anniversary they were going to celebrate in a few days! They were going
to enter Paris; it was only a matter of a week. Paris! Great shops
filled with luxurious things, famous restaurants, women, champagne,
money.
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