As a rule they relate the episode of some _combat d'avantposte_ which took place the day before.
The episodes never vary.

5 P.M .-- Get back home; talk to doctors about interesting surgical operations; then drop in upon some official to interview him about what is doing.

Official usually first mysterious, then communicative, not to say loquacious, and abuses most people except himself.

7 P.M .-- Dinner at a restaurant; conversation general; almost everyone in uniform.

Still the old subjects--How long will it last?
Why does not Gambetta write more clearly?
How sublime we are; what a fool everyone else is.