“A very great one, sir; yet not to it, but to me.”
“What?”
“It has been stolen from me.”
“Stolen! the black tulip?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you know the thief?”
“I have my suspicions, but I must not yet accuse any one.”
“But the matter may very easily be ascertained.”
“How is that?”
“As it has been stolen from you, the thief cannot be far off.”