"Three years ago this scoundrel Lupin--" the millionaire began
violently.

"Yes, yes; I know all about that earlier burglary. But have you been
robbed since?" said M. Formery, interrupting him.

"No, I haven't been robbed since that burglary; but my daughter
has," said the millionaire.

"Your daughter?" said M. Formery.

"Yes; I have been robbed two or three times during the last three
years," said Germaine.

"Dear me! But you ought to have told us about this before. This is
extremely interesting, and most important," said M. Formery, rubbing
his hands, "I suppose you suspect Victoire?"

"No, I don't," said Germaine quickly. "It couldn't have been
Victoire. The last two thefts were committed at the chateau when
Victoire was in Paris in charge of this house."

M. Formery seemed taken aback, and he hesitated, consulting his
notes. Then he said: "Good--good. That confirms my hypothesis."

"What hypothesis?" said M. Gournay-Martin quickly.

"Never mind--never mind," said M. Formery solemnly. And, turning to
Germaine, he went on: "You say, Mademoiselle, that these thefts