Страница 234 из 788

In the centre of the tavern was a partition like that in a Jewish

school; one portion, divided into long and narrow rooms, was

reserved exclusively for ladies and gentlemen who were

travelling; the other formed one immense hall. Along each wall

stretched a many-footed narrow, wooden table; by it were benches,

which, though lower, were as like the table as children are like

their father. On these benches around the room sat peasants, both

men and women, and likewise some of the minor gentry, all in

rows; only the Steward sat by himself. After early Mass they had

come from the chapel to Jankiel's, since it was Sunday, to have a

drink and to amuse themselves. By each a cup of greyish brandy

was already frothing, the hostess was running about with the

bottle, serving every one.