, that is, if you have the nature which I have hoped
to find in you."

Embarrassed and yet determined not to listen any further, Nona continued
obstinately walking toward the door, with Sonya quietly following her.

"Will you wait a moment, please?" the older woman asked. "I have two
friends here in the house with me, whom I would like you to meet. When
you talk me over with Mildred and Barbara to find out their opinion of
me and of what I have tried to tell you, you can explain to them that I
am not alone. I realize that I have always been a mystifying
acquaintance and I'm sorry, but it is not possible to tell you my
history at present. Some day I may be able to explain."

Sonya's tone was half grave and half gay. Moreover, her blue eyes with
their curiously dark brows and lashes watched the younger girl with an
almost wistful affection.

The situation was more than puzzling. Yet, although she grew more
anxious each minute to be away, Nona could only agree to her companion's
request.

For a moment she was left alone in the crude, bare room. It was
cheerless and cold and she grew even more uncomfortable. Surely, Russia
was the strangest land in the world. How could her history as a young
American girl have any connection with it? Why had she so insisted upon
continuing her Red Cross nursing in Russia, when without her urging the
other Red Cross girls would have been content to remain where they were?

The next moment a very old woman and a man came into the room with
Sonya. There was no doubting they were both peasants. With them it was
not merely a matter of rough clothes. They were both heavily built,
with stupid, sad faces and they mumbled something in broken English when
they were introduced to Nona, eyeing her with suspicion. It was only
when their gaze rested upon Sonya that their faces changed. Then it was
as though a light had shone through darkness.

Sonya introduced them by name, some queer Russian name which Nona could
not grasp.

However, she was trying her best to find something civil to say in
return, which they might be able to understand, when an unexpected noise
interrupted them.

Some one had unceremoniously opened the door in the hall and was walking
toward them.

For an instant Nona thought she saw a shade of anxiety cross the faces
of her three companions, but the next instant it was gone.

Nona could scarcely swallow a gasp of surprised admiration when, soon
after, the door opened.