They wore no
national costume nor anything to attract the eye, but were simply
garbed as concierges or shop-girls might have been; and some were old,
gray-haired women, and one had even a swollen face tied up in a black
scarf! How could it be possible that any of these could be the "fancy"
of a man!
They were followed by about ten dark, beetle-browed males, who carried
guitars.
These were the famous Bohemians! Their appearance at all events was
disillusioning enough. Tamara's disappointment was immense.
But presently when they began to sing she realized that there was
something--something in their music--even though it was of an intense
unrest.
She found it was the custom for them to sing a weird chant song on the
name of each guest, and every one must drink to this guest's health,
all standing, and quaffing the glasses of champagne down at one
draught.
That they all remained sober at the end of the evening seemed to do
great credit to their heads, for Tamara, completely unaccustomed to the
smoke and the warm room, feared even to sip at her glass.
The toasting over, every one sat down, Prince Milasl?vski and a Pole
being the only two in front of the table, and they with immense spirit
chaffed the company, and called the tunes.
The music was of the most wild, a queer metallic sound, and the airs
were full of unexpected harmonies and nerve-racking chords.
Pages:
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85