The rare trams which were running, began to turn out numbers of Sunday excursionists. A great many had come with their families either on foot, or bicycling, to enjoy the air of their beloved suburb. Not one of them showed the least trace of terror. They were marvellously light-hearted. It was amusing to see the fathers pointing out the preparations for defence to their offspring, the trenches and barricades made of trees placed at intervals along the avenues, and supplying the explanations in a serious or amused tone of voice. The little brats enjoyed the unusual sight. Their eyes were often turned skywards, a Taube was the only thing wanting to make their joy complete. De Valpic pressed my arm. He was triumphant. "Well, what do you say to it?" Two pretty young women, who were crossing the road, came up to us. They were attractive and distinguished-looking. They both had baskets on their arms, and we noticed their brassards. They gracefully offered us cigarettes, cakes, and packets of sweets tied up with ribbons. I helped myself discreetly. De Valpic would only accept a flower, which he stuck in his cap. "And what about your comrades?" We called Bouillon who was passing. He was still only half-clothed, as he had been washing at a fountain. At last he made up his mind to it and they made a great fuss over "the brave _poilu_." Having stuffed him with dainties, they began to question him. Where did he come from? From Paris, really! And what quarter? Grenelle. One of them exclaimed that she lived in that part too. Bouillon was stammering in his embarrassment. I took it upon myself to give them "Marie's" address. The young woman promised to go and see her, no later than to-morrow, and she would take something for the baby. I think that they had recognised De Valpic and myself as belonging to their world. Just as they were about to go on their way, they turned round once more. "Perhaps you have some letters to send?" "Yes, indeed." We gave them the missives. "Good luck to you!" They held out their hands to us, with a pretty gesture. * * * * * Directly they had gone, I said to De Valpic: "What we ought to have done was to ask them for some papers!" "What does it matter?" He accosted the first passer-by, and then went on to the next group. His courtesy stood him in good stead. In five minutes he had collected six or seven newspapers, of that day or the day before. We went in again to revel in this literature. Our eyes grew wet with joy, at the very first glance. I have spoken of my obstinate fears concerning the interior peril. They soon vanished. There was no confusion at all. The Government was intact, and had become greater and more sanctified. All the different parties were working together. The alterations in the Ministry had no other significance. It was a Sacred Union. The words exactly described it.