ould not be tried by a military court.
Her offense was spoken of as sedition, or as an infringement of the
"Defense of the Realm" act. For Sonya had been endeavoring to induce
the Russian soldiers to join her peace societies rather than to fight
for their country.

The young American secretary did his best to make the situation plain to
Nona Davis. In England or France, under the same circumstances, Sonya
Valesky might have escaped with only a short term of imprisonment or a
fine. But this would not be true in Russia. Besides, it appeared that
Sonya was an old offender and that her socialist ideas were well known.
It would be impossible for the American Ambassador or any member of his
staff to make the smallest effort in Sonya's behalf. Such an effort
would represent an act of discourtesy on the part of the United States
Government, as if she were attempting to interfere with Russia's
treatment of her own subjects.

There was one thing only which the young secretary could undertake in
Nona's cause. He would make an effort to have her allowed to visit her
friend. If Sonya's trial was not to take place for a week, it was just
possible that the American girl might be permitted to see her.

So Nona was compelled to go away with only this small consolation.

However, before leaving she secured the address of an American family
in Petrograd who might be willing to take her as a boarder. For Nona
realized that with her present plan she could not longer remain as a
guest in the Countess' house.

Then Barbara had again to be reckoned with. It was early dusk when Nona
Davis finally reached their apartment in the splendid Russian house.
Barbara had just finished tea, but the tea things had not been sent
away.

Because Nona was evidently so tired and discouraged the younger girl
comforted her with tea and cakes before beginning to ask questions.
Afterwards Barbara insisted upon being told the entire account of the
afternoon's experiences. Nona must begin with her meeting with Katja,
her interview in the Cathedral, then her visit to the house of the
United States Ambassador and finally the description of the place where
she had engaged board before returning to her temporary home.

Although Barbara was ordinarily much given to conversation and frequent
interruptions of other people's anecdotes, she listened without comment
until the other girl had finished.

"We are both too tired to pack up our few possessions tonight, Non