Charles. Clara!
Clara. I don't know much about such things myself. But our friend [nods toward the thief], Mr.—Mr. Hibbard—who has some reputation as a collector, has always said that it was—not. In spite of that fact, he had offered to take it off our hands.
Charles. Clara, you're going too far—
Reporter. She's quite right. You're wrong, Mr. Hibbard. You may be good, but this fellow KNOWS. Too bad you didn't take it while the taking was good. This fellow never sells. Of course he can't exhibit. Just loves beautiful things. No, sir, it was real.
Thief [between his teeth]. It wasn't. Of all the—
Clara [smiling]. You take your beating so ungracefully, Mr. Hibbard. The case, you see, is all against you.
Thief. Be careful. The picture may be found at any minute. Don't go too far.
Clara. I hardly think it will be found unless the thief is caught. And I have such perfect confidence in his good sense that I don't expect that.
Reporter. Lots of time for a getaway. When was he here?
Clara. He was gone when we came from the theater. But we must almost have caught him. Some of our finest things were gathered together here on the table ready for his flight. How he must have hated to leave them, all the miniatures and the cloisonné. I almost feel sorry for him.