Konrad and Alexandra (pdf) - Rolf Gross

A Theosophists' Reception
St. Petersburg 1904
The telephone had arrived in St. Petersburg, and Vladimir had given Alexandra his
number to call him, but when she faced the black speaker funnel at the post office, she
panicked and resorted to writing a personal note in her careful hand. It would be more discreet,
and he would have something tangible in his hands. Besides who would listen in on their
telephone conversation, the Okhrana?
Dear Yogi,
Would you like to join me in a fashionable séance of the Theosophists at the Palais of
Prince Sergey Pavlovich V.? They promise to demonstrate yoga meditation, have a Tibetan
pharmacist at hand, produce some occult magic, and—no promises—probably smoke some
hashish. I owe this invitation to Sophia B.
You have heard of Mme. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, née von Hahn, haven’t you? She
is the Ur-mother of the Theosophists, and though dead for twelve years, she appears regularly,
according to rumors, to her faithful.
You may wonder why I want to go there: I have some true medical interests. I am
curious of what they understand about psychic phenomena, and I want to find out why so
many artists and writers are attracted to Theosophy. Finally a personal curiosity, H.P.B., in the
1860s, was a frequent visitor to the house of my grandparents. My mother told many strange
tales about her.
K. would never consent to accompany me, maybe you will! Unfortunately you may
encounter more acquaintances there than you might care to be associated with: Toute le
monde is deeply enraptured by Theosophy.
Affectionately,
Lexako VI. 12. 1904
She received a note by return messenger.
Dear Lexako,
Will you permit me to call you by this affectionate name? I shall pick you up at your
house with our car at eight sharp.
Expecting to be baffled!
Your pseudo-Yogi
The event turned out to be a glittering gathering of the rich and beautiful people of St.
Petersburg without a trace of a séance. Chauffeured cars crowded the access to the
electrically illuminated palais of Prince Volkonsky. Liveried attendants held the car doors open
and collected the guests’ cartes de visites on silver platters. Amused she noticed that Vladimir,
with a slight of hand, retrieved his card unnoticed. The men wore black tie and the ladies
fashionable dresses. Alexandra was glad to wear a conservative blouse and a loose skirt down
to her ankles which would not attract any unwanted attention.
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