"It is during the second when she passes before me that I receive the most profound impression, more even than at the actual moment of the firing."
* * * * *
"Harietta Boleski is beside the post. The bugles stop their mournful sound. They tie her to it, but not tightly, only so that her fall may not be too hard. A gendarme presents her with a bandeau for her eyes, which she pushes aside with scorn.
"And when an officer reads the sentence, Harietta Boleski smiles."
* * * * *
"At twelve yards the platoon is lined up. The sentence has been read.
"Madame Boleski embraces the Sister of Charity, who is very overcome. She even whispers a few words to comfort her. They stand back from the post. The adjutant who commands the platoon raises his sword—the rifles come in into position—two seconds—and the sword falls!"
* * * * *
"A salute!"
* * * * *