264



The Women of Paris

otherwise, who all hastened to prove their
patriotism. Those who had their certificates
were given work almost at once, and those
who had not feverishly attended hastily-
improvised First Aid lectures and classes
to obtain them. Every one expressed a wish
to 'go to the Front,' and not one would
have refused to march with the armies if
necessary. It was all very charming, but it
was not practical, and the military authorities
soon began a vigorous combing out. An order
was issued that no outdoor uniform was to
be worn except on active service, and in the
twinkling of an eye the streets lost their
picturesque aspect and many of the women
their ambition to become ministering angels.
