A RESCUED PARTY 253

entertainment came off a fortnight after his arrival at the
chateau. The guests for the most part arrived early in
the afternoon, many having driven in from great distances.
The preparations had been on an immense scale, and the
scene at night was a brilliant one. Never had Charlie seen
anything like the magnificence of the dresses, not of the
ladies only but also of the gentlemen; the Poles having the
true oriental love for rich costumes, a taste that their
national dress permitted them to gratify to the utmost.
Next to the splendour of the dresses Charlie was surprised
at the grace and spirit of the dancing, which was far more
vivacious than that of western nations. The Poles were
long considered to be the best dancers in the world. It was
their great national amusement; and all danced, from noble
to peasant, entering into it with spirit and enthusiasm, and
uniting the perfection of rhythmical motion with the grace
and ease peculiar to them and to their kinsmen the
Hungarians.

The dancing was kept up with unflagging energy during
the whole night, and then after a substantial breakfast the
men and women were muffled up in furs, and took their
places in the sledges.

The count would gladly have had Charlie remain with
him until spring began, but he was anxious to rejoin the
army; and seeing that this was so, the count did everything
in his power to facilitate his journey, which, after talking
it over, had been decided should be direct towards the
royal camp. ‘The count’s brother insisted upon accom-
panying him on the journey, as in this way many of the
difficulties would be avoided. ‘I'wo sledges were prepared,
the one for the use of Charlie and Count John, and the
other for the two servants and baggage. Both were horsed
by the fastest animals in the count’s stables.

Charlie himself had been loaded with presents, which he
had been obliged somewhat reluctantly to accept, as he saw