CHAPTER V THE TRAGEDY––––––––
THAT same Sunday evening the Waring household dined alone. Oftener than not there were guests, but tonight there were only the two Peytons, Lockwood and John Waring himself.
Ito, the butler, had holiday Sunday afternoon and evening, and Nogi, the second and less experienced man, was trying his best to satisfy the exactions of Mrs. Peyton as to his service at table.
Helen Peyton was in a talkative mood and commented volubly on the caller of the afternoon, Miss Austin.
She met little response, for her mother was absorbed in the training of the Japanese, and the two men seemed indisposed to pursue the subject.
“Don’t you think she’s odd looking?” Helen asked, of Doctor Waring.
“Odd looking,” he repeated; “I don’t know. I didn’t notice her especially. She se
