Here Paul saw for the first time in his life the French military burial Mass.
This was the most solemn ceremony he had ever witnessed.

The great cathedral was draped in crape, which added to the already somber appearance of the surroundings.

The coffin of the lieutenant was carried on the shoulders of four Franc-tireurs and deposited on a bier near the altar.

The soldiers then retired and joined their comrades.
Every gun was polished and every bayonet shone as the Franc-tireurs and about four hundred of the mobiles and regulars marched with military precision into the cathedral.

No soldier's cap was removed, while the citizens stood around with bare heads.