Embarrassment

Bolshevik Ambassador Leonid Krassin dressed himself in his capitalistic attire of a frock coat and high silk topper. Madame and the Mademoiselles Krassin were adorned in the best that the art of Jean Patou could devise. Together they were driven to the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes.

At the Exposition was le Senateur de Monzie, Minister of Education, accompanied by several other Senators. Greetings between the Senators and the Ambassadorial party over, they proceeded to the Soviet Pavilion in the Exposition, smiling and chatting.

Here many speeches were made, at the conclusion of which the senatorials were about to be escorted by the ambassadorials on a tour of inspection when burst on all sides cries of: "Vivent Ies Soviets!" "A bas la guerre!" "Vive le Maroc [Morocco] !"

Le Senateur de Monzie halted, turned abruptly to M. Krassin, said:

"I have been invited to an exposition of Art and not a political demonstration. This is not my place and I feel compelled under the circumstances to withdraw at once."

M. Krassin blushed, stammered a polite mille pardons, adjured the senators to stay, assured them that the demonstration would cease instantly. But it did not; the Bolshevik Ambassador was helpless. Greatly embarrassed, the senators left. Greatly embarrassed, the Krassins followed.