quite evident that he was telling just what he saw, and had no
interest in coloring it to make it appear different in any way. He
admired Miss Van Allen, he said she was a pleasant lady and not hard
to please if her orders were faithfully carried out. He expressed no
personal interest in the question of her guilt or innocence, he simply
told what he had seen. I didn't altogether like his stolid
indifference, it seemed impossible there should be so little humanity
in a fellow-being, but I knew he was a good and conscientious waiter,
and I concluded he was nothing more.

I went home, and, of course, was met by Aunt Lucy and Winnie with a
perfect storm of questions.

"After dinner," I begged. "Let me get a little rest and food, and then
I'll tell you all I know."

But after a few spoonfuls of soup, Winnie declared I was too nervous
to eat and I might as well talk.

"Well, I will," I said. "But, look here, you two. To begin with, I
want you to understand that I'm involved in this matter in a business
way, and I'm also interested in a personal way. And I don't want any
silly talk about it's being unfortunate or regrettable that I should
be. It's a business case, Aunt Lucy, as far as the settlement of Mr.
Schuyler's estate is concerned, and it's a personal affair that I'm
acquainted with Miss Van Allen; and I propose to make more or less
effort to find some trace of that girl, and to see if there is any
possible chance that she may not be the guilty one after all."

"Good for you, Lord Chesterton!" cried Winnie. "I always knew you were