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The question of the moment, however, is how much longer the Soviets will be able to impose a bland countenance on their leader's absence. Important public events continue to loom in Moscow, including a semiannual Central Committee plenum that is held in late November or early December. That closed-door session is traditionally followed by a highly publicized meeting of the country's Supreme Soviet, which is normally announced 30 days in advance. Failure to hold those events on schedule would cause muffled embarrassment in the Kremlin, and further uncertainty about the Kremlin abroad. —By George Russell. Reported by Erik Amfitheatrof/Moscow and Gregory H. Wierzynski/Washington