--and, finally, I was married in
the camp, to a lieutenant of infantry at the time. So that, you
observe, I am altogether _militaire_. As a child, I was wakened up with
the drum and fife, and went to sleep with the bugles; as a girl, I
became quite conversant with every military manoeuvre; and now that I am
a woman grown, I believe that I am more fit for the _baton_ than
one-half of those marshals who have gained it. I have studied little
else but tactics and have as my poor husband said, quite a genius for
them; but of that hereafter. I was married at sixteen, and have ever
since followed my husband. I followed him at last to his grave. He
quitted my bed for the bed of honour, where he sleeps in peace. We'll
drink to his memory.'

"We emptied our glasses, when she continued:--

"`My husband's regiment was not ordered to Africa until after the first
disastrous attempt upon Constantine. It fell to our lot to assist in
retrieving the honour of our army in the more successful expedition
which took place, as you, of course, are aware, about three months ago.
I will not detain you with our embarkation or voyage. We landed from a
steamer at Bona, and soon afterwards my husband's company was ordered to
escort a convoy of provisions to the army which was collecting at Mzez
Ammar. Well, we arrived safely at our various camps of Drean, Nech
Meya, and Amman Berda. We made a little _detour_ to visit Ghelma. I
had curiosity to see it, as formerly it was an important city. I must
say, that a more tenable position I never beheld. But I tire you with
these details.'

"`On the contrary, I am delighted.'

"`You are very good. I ought to have said something about the
travelling in those wild countries, which is anything but pleasant. The
soil is a species of clay, hard as a flint when the weather is dry, but
running into a slippery paste as soon as moistened. It is, therefore,
very fatiguing, especially in wet weather, when the soldiers slip about
in a very laughable manner to look at, but very distressing to
themselves. I travelled either on horseback or in one of the waggons,
as it happened. I was too well known, and, I hope I may add, too well
liked, not to be as well provided for as possible. It is remarkable how
soon a Frenchman will make himself comfortable, wherever he may chance
to be. The camp of Mzez Ammar was as busy and as lively as if it was
pitched in the heart of France. The followers had built up