But after the first glance, Nona Davis gave no further consideration to her surroundings. Before her companion could speak the second time she had suddenly recognized her.
“Why, Lady Dorian, what has brought you to Russia? You are the last person I expected to see! Since our meeting on board the ‘Philadelphia’ and your stay at the Sacred Heart Hospital I have so often wondered what had become of you, and if you were well and happy. You promised to write me.”
“Then you have not forgotten me?” Before saying anything more the older woman found a chair for her guest and another for herself.
“No, I have not written you, but I have thought of you many times and have followed your history more closely than you dream,” she returned quietly, yet with evident earnestness. “I have been well and I suppose as happy as most people. How can any human being be anything but wretched during this tragic war? If only we might have peace!”
Lady Dorian’s face became white and drawn and Nona felt that she had aged a great deal since their first meeting, and indeed since the months they had spent as fellow workers for the British soldiers at the Sacred Heart Hospital. Nevertheless she still felt strangely attracted toward her companion, although mingled with the attraction was a new and uncomfortable feeling of distrust.
Lady Dorian had come to the hospital cleared of the charge made against her on board the “Philadelphia” of being a spy. Yet she had never given any explanation of her history. Then had followed her surprising meeting with the British officer, Colonel Dalton, and their betrayal of a former acquaintanceship. Although the older woman had promised to explain their connection later, she had only said that they had once known each other rather intimately 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.