And, turning to Germaine, he went on: "You say, Mademoiselle, that these thefts began about three years ago ?" "Yes, I think they began about three years ago in August." "Let me see.

It was in the month of August, three years ago, that your father, after receiving a threatening letter like the one he received last night, was the victim of a burglary ?" said M.Formery.
"Yes, it was--the scoundrels!" cried the millionaire fiercely.
"Well, it would be interesting to know which of your servants entered your service three years ago," said M.Formery.
"Victoire has only been with us a year at the outside," said Germaine.
"Only a year ?" said M.Formery quickly, with an air of some vexation.
He paused and added, "Exactly--exactly.

And what was the nature of the last theft of which you were the victim ?" "It was a pearl brooch--not unlike the pendant which his Grace gave me yesterday," said Germaine.
"Would you mind showing me that pendant?
I should like to see it," said M.Formery.
"Certainly--show it to him, Jacques.

You have it, haven't you ?" said Germaine, turning to the Duke.
"Me?
No.

How should I have it ?" said the Duke in some surprise.
"Haven't you got it ?" "I've only got the case--the empty case," said Germaine, with a startled air.
"The empty case ?" said the Duke, with growing surprise.
"Yes," said Germaine.