Rifle balls whistle to-night through the streets oftener than usual;
there is a certain amount of nervousness in the sector.
But these wandering bullets will not thwart the _soirée_ we have
planned with some officers of the First Zouaves: a masked ball in the
Casino!
We found plenty of odd and strange bits of apparel among the ruined
villas; and our masked ball took on an odd appearance with the
extraordinary costumes. The _toubib_[4] clipped his flowing mustaches
and wore a lady's gown--he was good to look at! Young and fair, as he
is, one had to regard him closely not to be deceived. Major Peigné was
naturally taken for a "chicken" and there was much rivalry for a few
moments, I swear it!
* * * * *
Degove with his old straw hat and battered valise was a scream, while
Ricard, in his uniform of a Belgian officer of the First Empire, was
absolutely funny----