"How singular," observes the _Figaro_, with plaintive morality, "is this rage, this necessity for lying." It is notorious that, having gained two glorious victories, we returned into Paris to repose on our laurels, and I must beg the Prussians not to be so mean as to contest the fact.
_December 23rd._ Since Wednesday the troops--Line, Mobiles, and marching battalions of the National Guard--have remained outside the enceinte.

There has been a certain amount of spade work at Drancy, but beyond this absolutely nothing.

The cold is very severe.

This afternoon I was outside in the direction of Le Bourget.

The soldiers had lit large fires to warm themselves.