Page:Henryk Sienkiewicz - In Vain.djvu/30

18 siasts. Antonevich organized and formed them. Rylski and Stempkovski led them for a time, but to-day these are all fools who know not what they want, they talk Little Russian and drink common vodka—that is the whole matter."

"And what other coteries are there?"

"Clearly outlined, there are no more; but there are various shades. Some are connected by a communion of scientific ideas, others by a common social standpoint. Thou wilt find here democrats, aristocrats, liberals, ultramontanes, frolickers, women-hunters, idlers, if thou wish, and finally sunburnt laborers."

"Who passes for the strongest head?"

"Among students?"

"Yes."

"That depends on the branch. Some say that Augustinovich knows much; I will add that he does not know it well. For connected solid work and science Gustav is distinguished."

"Ah!"

"But they talk variously about him. Some cannot endure him. By living with him thou wilt estimate the man best,—for example, his relations with the widow. That is a sentimental bit of conduct; another man would not