On the first Sunday in the month of August, 1815, at ten o’clock precisely--as on every Sunday morning--the sacristan of the parish church at Sairmeuse sounded the three strokes of the bell which warn the faithful that the priest is ascending the steps of the altar to celebrate high mass. The church was already more than half full, and from every side little groups of peasants were hurrying into the church-yard. The women were all in their bravest attire, with cunning little _fichus_ crossed upon their breasts, broad-striped, brightly colored skirts, and large white coifs.…
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