A sojourn in St. Petersburg creates an odd resonance for Minta Castelberry, touring this most European of Russian cities with her mother-in-law. The women are accosted by an insinuating stranger. John Emmett insists on telling his story, and Minta soon finds that his arrogance hides a melancholy soul...and finds herself invested in his quest. Then she finds this crossing of paths is no coincidence.