matter. As soon as the order comes from General
Alexis we must be ready to leave at once. One can scarcely dare disobey
the commander in chief," Mildred concluded, with regret in her tones.

"Certainly not," Barbara added with emphasis.

Then for another moment Nona Davis continued gazing thoughtfully at
Mildred.

"I suppose I ought to tell you, Mildred, you and Barbara both, that I am
not sorry we are to go to Petrograd; indeed, I am truly glad. Because I
had intended to try to get permission to return there alone. You know I
told you of Sonya's arrest, but I did not tell you that I intend to do
all that I possibly can to befriend her. She seems to have no one who
cares what becomes of her so far as I can find out, except her two old
servants, Katja and Nika. I may not be able to do much, but I have
written Eugenia, asking her to lend me some money and to forward it to
the American Ambassador at Petrograd as soon as possible. I would like
to leave almost at once. You see, I don't know what has become of Sonya,
nor when her trial may take place."

"And for my part I hope you may never know," Barbara protested, sitting
up with her cheeks suddenly crimson and her hair much tousled.

"See here, girls, I know neither of you think much of my advice, and
very probably you don't consider me especially brave. I'm not disputing
the last point. But I am more sensible than either of you and I can see
both sides of a situation better. Mildred is an idealist, and Nona, you
are a dreamer. You think you are not, but I expect you have more of your
mother's blood in you than you realize. I am desperately sorry for Sonya
Valesky. I think she is an exquisite and much-wronged woman with the
courage and devotion necessary to a martyr. But I don't see that you are
particularly fitted to follow her example, Nona. That is all that would
happen if you attempt to mix yourself up with Sonya Valesky's political
fortunes in Petrograd. You have no important friends and could do
absolutely nothing for her, but you might manage to get yourself and us,
because we care for you, into a great deal of hot water."

Mildred began to undress.

"I think Bab is right, Nona, though I understand just how you feel. It
does seem too cruel to desert a friend in a time of such extremity. When
we get to Petrograd perhaps we can talk Sonya Valesky's case over with
our Ambassador and he may help us with his advice. Let's get to sleep
now; we can judge more wisely