In the next couple, Panna Kaminski danced with a polite cavalier, and after her came the Armenians,—Pani Kyeremovich and Pani Neresevich, who, though wives of merchants, were still invited to the company, for both were persons of courtly manners, and very wealthy. The dignified Naviragh and the two Anardrats looked with growing wonder at the Polish dances; the old men at their mead cups made an increasing noise, like grasshoppers on stubble land. But the music drowned every voice, and in the middle of the room delight grew in all hearts.
Meanwhile Basia left her partner, ran panting to her husband, and clasped her hands before him.
“Michael,” said she, “it is so cold outside the windows for the soldiers, give command to let them have a keg of gorailka.”
He, being unusually jovial, fell
