It is just before the outbreak of World War I & Britain must enlist the aide of Russia. Czar Nicholass nephew is to visit London for secret naval talks with Lord Walden who has lived in Russia & has a Russian wife Lydia. But there are other people who are interested in the arrival of Prince Alexei: the Waldens only daughter Charlotte -- willful idealistic & with an awakening social conscience; Basil Thompson head of the Special Branch; & above all Feliks Kschessinky the ruthless Russian anarchist. No one could have foretold that Lydia should recognize Feliks or that she might put her own daughters life at risk for his sake. As the secret negotiations progress the destinies of these characters become ineluctably enmeshed. & as Europe prepares for the catastrophe of war the final private tragedy which will shatter the complacency of the Waldens is acted out.