“Wait, Sonia! Wait!” cried Lupin hoarsely. “A moment ago you said something.... You said that the mere presence of a thief would overwhelm you with disgust. Is that true?”
“Yes, I swear it is,” cried Sonia.
Guerchard appeared in the doorway.
“And if I were not the man you believe?” said Lupin sombrely.
“What?” said Sonia; and a faint bewilderment mingled with her grief. “If I were not the Duke of Charmerace?”
“Not the Duke?”
“If I were not an honest man?” said Lupin.
“You?” cried Sonia.
“If I were a thief? If I were—”
“Arsène Lupin,” jeered Guerchard from the door.