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Matilda Betham-Edwards - East of Paris
deploy according to orders. The vast plain before us was a veritable sea of men, an army, one would
think, sufficient for the military needs of all Europe.
One striking feature of these superb regiments, cavalry as well as infantry, was the excellence of the
bands. Never before had I realised the inspiriting thing that martial music might be. Another interesting
point was that afforded by the cyclists, several regiments having these newly formed companies.
Whenever a flag was borne past, whether by foot or mounted soldier, the cheering was tremendous, but it
was reserved for a regiment of Lorrainers to receive a veritable ovation. Still so fondly yearns the heart
of France after her lost and mutilated provinces! On the whole, and speaking as a naive amateur, I should
say that no country in the world could show a grander military spectacle. Enthusiasm reigned amongst all
beholders, but there was no display of political bias or any discordant note. Cries of "Vive la France!"
were as frequent as those of "Vive l'armee!"
Not a policeman was to be seen anywhere, the deputies keeping order for themselves. And not always
without an effort! People would rise from their seats, even stand on benches, despite the thundered out
"Remain seated!" on all sides. On the whole, and with this exception, nothing could surpass the general
good humour. And when the splendid cortege filed by at the close, delight and satisfaction beamed on
every face. M. Loubet was so dignified, folks said, Madame Loubet was so well dressed, the deportment
of M. Waldeck Rousseau was perfect, M. Deschanel handsomer than ever, and so on, every member of
the Czar's, or rather the President's, entourage winning approval. General Andre and M. Delcasse were
very warmly received. The slim, pale, fastidious looking young man in flat, white cap, green tunic, and
high boots, seated beside the portly, genial figure wearing the broad Presidential ribbon, set me thinking.
How at the bottom of his heart does the Autocrat of All The Russias view these representatives of the
great French Republic! How does he really feel towards France, the first nation of the western world to
set the example of officially recognised self-government, the initiator of a system as opposed to Russian
despotism as is white to black? Whatever may be the secret of this strange Franco-Russian alliance, it is
apparently in the interest of peace, and, as such, should be warmly welcomed by all advocates of
progress.
The luncheon was superabundant, consisting of wines, cold meat, and bread in plenty. The task of
finding refreshment for three thousand people had been satisfactorily solved. The only thing wanting was
water. It seems that upon such an occasion no one was expected to drink anything short of Bordeaux,
Burgundy, or pale ale.
All the special trains were crowded for the return journey, made by way of Meaux, but everyone made
way for everyone, and we reached Paris at eight o'clock, almost as fresh and quite as good-humoured as
we had quitted it at dawn. If this great review was interesting from one point more than another, it was
from the manner in which it displayed the wonderful organising faculty of the French mind. The most
trifling details no more than the largest combinations can disconcert this pre-eminently national aptitude.
CHAPTER XVII. SOULAINES AND BAR-SUR-AUBE.
The first of these places mentioned is a Champenois village twelve miles from a railway station. From
the windows of my friends' chateau I look upon a magnificent deer park, where during the oft-time torrid
heat of summer delicious shade is to be found.
Far away vast forests bound the horizon, to the north a hot open road leading to Brienne-le-Chateau,
where Napoleon studied as a military cadet; eastward, lies varied scenery between Soulaines and
Bar-sur-Aube, there woodland ending and the vine country beginning.
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