That Tamara should have been given that Russian appellation, in a group
of Gladys, Mabels and Dorothys, must have surely indicated that fate
meant her to follow a line not quite so mapped out as that of her
sisters'. The very manner of her entry into the world was not in
accordance with the Underdown plan.

Her mother, Lady Gertrude Underdown, had contracted a friendship with
the wife of the First Secretary of the Russian Embassy.

Foreigners were not looked upon with favor in the home circle, and
instead of staying only the two months of May and June, as she was
fully entitled to, in London, she had insisted upon remaining for July
as well that year--to be near her friend Vera and enjoy the gay world.

The Squire had grumbled, but acquiesced, though when afterward a fourth
daughter was presented to him with a request that she might have
Princess Vera for a godmother and a Russian name to be called by, he
felt himself justified in carping at fate.

"Foreign fandangoes," he designated such ideas. However, Lady Gertrude
was very ill, and had to be humored, so the affair took place, and
Tamara the baby was christened, with due state.

There were no more Russian suggestions in the family; the son and heir
who arrived a year later became plain Tom, and then Lady Gertrude
Underdown made her bow to the world and retired to the family vault in
Underwood Church.

They were all estimably brought up by an aunt, and hardly ever left the
country until each one came up in turn to be presented at Court, and go