Page 247 - A Jacobite Exile

Charlie had had enough shooting, but he greatly enjoyed the drives in the
sledges, behind the spirited horses. The 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 accompanying him on the journey, as in

this way many of the difficulties would be avoided. Two 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 that a refusal would hurt and

mortify his kind hosts. He had, on his arrival, been provided with an ample
wardrobe of clothes of all kinds, and to these were now added dolmans,