"I was, madame."
"Why the past tense?" the woman demanded, eyeing him with a portentous frown.
"Because I am done with thieving."
She threw back her head and laughed, but without mirth: "A likely story, monsieur! Have you reformed since I caught you here——?"
"Does it matter when? I take it that proof, visible, tangible proof of my sincerity, more than a meaningless date, would be needed to convince you."
"No doubt of that, Monsieur the Lone Wolf!"
"Could you ask better proof than the restoration of your stolen property?"
"Are you trying to bribe me to let you off with an offer to return my jewels?"
"I'm afraid emergency reformation wouldn't persuade you——"
"You may well be afraid, monsieur!"