MASKED BALL, NIEUPORT-BATHS.
March, 1915.
Less than a mile from the enemy——
Rifle balls whistle to-night through the streets oftener than usual; there is a certain amount of nervousness in the sector.
But these wandering bullets will not thwart the soirée we have planned with some officers of the First Zouaves: a masked ball in the Casino!
We found plenty of odd and strange bits of apparel among the ruined villas; and our masked ball took on an odd appearance with the extraordinary costumes. The toubib[4] clipped his flowing mustaches and wore a lady's gown—he was good to look at! Young and fair, as he is, one had to regard him closely not to be deceived. Major Peigné was naturally taken for a "chicken" and there was much rivalry for a few moments, I swear it!
Degove with his old straw hat and battered valise was a scream, while Ricard, in his uniform of a Belgian officer of the First Empire, was absolutely funny——
The strident singing of bullets kept on——
We had a great time that night!