Military life in Italy : sketches - Societa italiana di storia militare

THE CAMP. 227
in haste by mamma just as they were leaving the house. They
are old friends of the colonel. What a fortunate chance that
he should have camped right there, near their house ! The
papa, with his round face all wreathed in smiles, and in his
"
loudest voice, begins
: Mr. Soldier," touching the wide brim
of his broad hat as he addresses a sentinel,
"
might one see
the Signer Cavalier Colonel, commandant of the regiment ? "
The sentinel makes him a sign to pass, and points with his
hand to the colonel's tent. A gray-bearded sapper runs forward
and announces the visit.
most respectful and circumspect manner.
The family walk slowly on in a
The colonel appears,
looks about, stops, knits his brow to see better, glances at the
sky as if to collect the scattered reminiscences of old times,
remembers, and recognizes them, and smoothing his forehead
and uttering a "
prolonged "oh ! of surprise and pleasure, advances
to meet his guests with outstretched arms. Then follow
the reception and bows, hurried questions and answers,
the passing of hands under the chins of the children, who have
sprung up in an astonishing way, and have grown pretty.
" "
Then : Oh, madame ! the colonel exclaims, in order to start
a conversation,
" the effect of the companies is very great, you
know. One hundred and fifty men in each ; it is quite a
delight. What a fine camp, eh Would ? you like to see it ?
Would you like to take a turn " ? The family consent with
thanks ;
the colonel, after a little reflection, places himself on
the left ot the lady, the
husband on the right, and the children
in front ;
the troop begins to move. Every one stands aside.
The officers salute them. A subdued murmur precedes and
follows them. The colonel, a good, rough soldier that he is,
forced into the thankless position of cavaliere servente, says to