Page:Brandes - Poland, a Study of the Land, People, and Literature.djvu/92

80 most beaufifulbeautiful [sic] toilettes, present to see and be seen. They can talk freely there with the men they care to meet, while the mothers and aunts keep their seats. But all conversations are subdued. It was necessary to invite the Governor-General of Poland, the strict and very much dreaded General Gurko and his wife, a lady whose exterior and bearing are less distinguished than her position. It is the popular impression that Madam Gurko, plainly enough the least popular person in Poland, who with womanly fanaticism has appropriated to herself the task of serving the Russian cause by all means, is the prime mover of all the measures which have struck a blow at Polish hopes and interests of late years.

The old aristocrat, Louis Górski, called Poland's pope, the most strong-willed representative of the Catholic party, is the giver of the festival, and as such has to offer his arm to Madam Gurko to take her round the room. No one greets her; all speak in an undertone or turn their backs. Behind them come the Governor-General and Madam Gorska. Both couples exchange ceremonious phrases only in French. Gurko, who carries himself very gallantly, is a man of medium height, of strong frame, with thin hair, a large fan-shaped beard sprinkled with grey, a slightly reddish nose; the expression of his countenance does not evince the boldness and celerity which have been his characteristics as a general. He looks more fitted to command officers than to rule a people.

Or take a soirée at the house of one of the leaders of the aristocratic party. The names of the most renowned families of Poland are represented. Here sits a Countess Plater, niece of the celebrated Emilia; here a Countess Krasinska, married to a relative of the poet, both liberal and patriotic to excess; here a Countess Ostrowska who is considered the most beautiful woman in Poland. We might believe that the Poles would feel themselves here within closed doors as free as possible; but if a foreigner says too bold a word, one of the young men of the family touches him on the shoulder and whispers, "Not so loud! On the chair which is back to back with yours sits Count