n the stage, playing some
very difficult role that demanded continual attention. One could see
that the very carpet under their feet restrained them, that they sat
down with a certain fear on the silk-lined chairs, that they seemed
to be merely passing through the room, afraid to touch any of the
objects about them.

It was a festive reception with wine served by the restaurant
waiters, and with trays of cakes and liqueurs circulating about in
ponderous bottles. This only added to the restraint of the ladies.
They knew not how to eat or drink gracefully, they feared to stain
their dresses and the furniture and feared also to serve as the butt
of ridicule for a few gentlemen who were not at all impressed with
this sham elegance, and were gazing at them and making spiteful
remarks.

Majkowska, who to-day presented a truly stately appearance in her
light yellow dress with a border of roses, with her black, almost
ebony hair, olive complexion, and classically beautiful face--a
typical Veronese--took Janina by the arm and gracefully promenaded
about the salon with her, casting proud glances at those about them.

On the other hand, her mother, whom some mischievous person had
seated on a little tabouret, was undergoing agonies. She had in one
hand a glassful of wine, in the other a tart and a cake in her lap.
She drank the wine and was at a loss what to do with the glass. She
gazed pleadingly at her daughter, grew red in the face, and finally
asked Zielinska, who was sitting near her: "My dear lady, what shall
I do with this glass?"

"Stand it under the chair."

The old woman did as she was advised. Everyone began to laugh at
her, so she picked it up again and held it in her hand.

Old Mrs. Niedzielska, the mother of Wladek and the owner of a house
on Piwna Street, who was always honored by the Cabinskis, sat under
the shade of the palm grove with Kaczkowska, and continually
followed her son with her eyes.

The men in the dining room were, meanwhile, storming the buffet.

"Where do you get your everlasting humor, Glas?" asked Razowiec,
who, although he was the gloomiest actor in the company, played the
parts of the merriest rakes and the funniest uncles.

"That is a public secret. I do not worry, and I have a good
digestion," answered Glas.

"You have precisely that which I am lacking. . . . Do you know I
tried the recipe which you recommended, but got no results . . .
nothing will help me any more. I feel certa