the midday sun
He looked worn and anxious as he stood mopping the perspiration from his neck and glancing nervously at his men , who were slowly and gently rolling back the mob . On the bridge a battalion of red-legged soldiers lounged , leaning on their rifles . To the right were long lines of cavalry in shining helmets and cuirasses . The men sat motionless in their saddles , their armor striking white fire in the fierce glow of the midday sun . Ever and anon the faint flutter of a distant bugle announced the approach of more regiments . Among the shrubbery of the Gardens , a glimmer of orange and blue betrayed the lurking presence of the Guards . Down the endless vistas of the double and quadruple rows of trees stretching out to the Arc , and up the Cour la Reine , long lines of scarlet were moving toward the central point , the Place de la Concorde .