Up went the windows all along the street, the rabble-rout of
boys yelled and huzzaed like mad. The maids popped their mob-caps out of
the attics, and giggled, and hung out at the risk of their necks. The
serving men ran out on the hall-door steps. The village roues emerged in
haste from their public houses. The whole scene round and along from top
to bottom, was grinning and agape. Nature seemed to brighten up at sight
of them; and the sun himself came out all in his best, with an
unparalleled effulgence.
Yes, the town was proud of its corps, and well it might. As gun after
gun, with its complement of men and its lieutenant fireworkers, with a
'right wheel,' rolled out of the gate upon the broad street, not a soul
could look upon the lengthening pageant of blue and scarlet, with its
symmetrical diagonals of snowy belt and long-flapped white cartouche
boxes, moving together with measured swing; its laced cocked-hats,
leggings, and courtly white shorts and vests, and ruffles, and all its
buttons and brasses flashing up to the sun, without allowing it was a
fine spirited sight.
And Lily, beholding the phantom regiment, with mournful eyes, played
their grand sad march proudly as they passed.
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