In Petrograd, Ashenden encounters a fastidious American businessman called Mr Harrington, whose penchant for spotless laundry has ugly consequences when the Bolsheviks revolt.

Ashenden also crosses paths with his former Russian lover, Anastacia, who's only too eager to help him in his biggest and most important mission yet.

A series of short stories based on William Somerset Maugham's own First World War experiences

Read by Alex Jennings

Abridged by Neville Teller

Producer: Eoin O'Callaghan

Made for BBC Radio 7 and first broadcast in 2007. Show less