was singing to herself of a sorrow that was deep as the grave, and that
no one upon the earth knew of save she who sang. The song was very short.
It had only two little verses. When it was over, Sir Donald, who had been
watching the singer, returned to the sofa, where Robin Pierce was sitting
with his eyes shut and, again striking his fingers against the palms of
his hands, said: "I have heard that song at night on the Neva, and yet I
never heard it before."

People began getting up to go away. It was past eleven o'clock. Sir
Donald and Robin Pierce stood together, saying good-bye to Lady Holme. As
she held out her hand to the former, she said:

"Oh, Sir Donald, you know Russia, don't you?"

"I do."

"Then I want you to tell me the name of that stuff they carry down the
Neva in boats--the stuff that has such a horrible smell. That song always
reminds me of it, and Fritz can't remember the name."

"Nor can I," said Sir Donald, rather abruptly. "Good-night, Lady Holme."

He walked out of the room, followed by Robin.



CHAPTER II

LORD HOLME'S house was in Cadogan Square. When Sir Donald had put on his
coat in the hall he turned to Robin Pierce and said: