imately in London. But as they were friends no longer, she
preferred not speaking of him again.

All this passed swiftly through Nona's mind while the older woman was
speaking. But the girl devoutly hoped that her face did not betray
her thoughts. For here was the most surprising situation of all! Lady
Dorian had seemed to be a woman of wealth at the beginning of their
acquaintance and certainly had given a large sum of money to the
Sacred Heart Hospital. Now to find her dressed as a peasant and
living in a peasant's hut in Russia!

Her skirt was of some cheap black material and her bodice of velveteen,
laced with black cords over a white cotton waist. She also wore a
Russian peasant's apron of brighter colors.

Yet Nona recognized the older woman's beauty and distinction in spite of
her costume, even while her present circumstances and her eccentricities
antagonized her visitor.

The woman was sitting with her level brows drawn together looking
closely at the younger girl.

"I am sorry you don't seem to feel your former faith in me, Nona," she
began unexpectedly. "Not that I blame you, for I do not know myself
whether it is wise for me to have intruded into your life again. I would
not have done so if there had not been a reason more important than you
can appreciate."

For a moment the girl's attention had been wandering, engaged by the
oddness of her surroundings, but now she tried to conceal her growing
discomfort. Lady Dorian was appearing more mysterious than ever! If she
desired to renew their acquaintance because they had formerly liked each
other, that was a sufficient reason for her summons. It was scarcely
worth while to try to produce other motives.

But Lady Dorian had gotten up and now stood facing her.

"What I am going to tell you is extraordinary, Nona, although life is
too full of strange happenings to make us wonder at anything. In the
first place, will you please cease to call me _Lady Dorian_, for that is
not my name. Nor is it remarkable for you to discover me living in
Russia, because I am a Russian by birth. I have not always made my home
in my own country, but that makes no difference, since my love and
sympathy have always been with my own people. Here I am only known as
'Sonya.' But I do not wish to speak of myself, but of you. I have a
strong reason for my interest in you, Nona, for although you may find it
hard to believe, I once knew your mother."

"Knew my mother?" The young Ame