How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Why, yes; and not exactly that either. The fact is, we have all been a good deal puzzled because the affair is so simple, and yet baffles us altogether." (9)
Well, how's that for cunning? G— has already worked with Dupin on two cases, so he know perfectly well that Dupin won't be able to resist showing off and solving the case.
Quote #2
"Perhaps the mystery is a little too plain," said Dupin. (12)
Seriously? It seems to us that the mystery isn't actually plain at all. A card-holder dangling from a fireplace isn't actually an obvious hiding place—not to mention that the letter has been disguised. Dupin only finds it because he knows it's in a place that G— and his force didn't look.
Quote #3
"Its rightful owner saw, but of course dared not call attention to the act in the presence of the third personage, who stood at her elbow." (28)
Tricky D— cunningly anticipates that the royal lady won't call him out in front of the royal man and risk having her secret betrayed. So far, it's a win for D—.
Quote #4
"We divided its entire surface into compartments, which we numbered, so that none might be missed; then we scrutinised each individual square inch throughout the premises." (35)
This seems like an impressively thorough search to us, but you can practically hear Dupin rolling his eyes at how totally unclever G— is.
Quote #5
"Not altogether a fool," said G——; "but then he's a poet, which I take to be only one remove from a fool." (44)
Well, we don't blame G— for taking a dig at the poetry-writing Dupin. But it's not just a casual insult. He's actually goading Dupin into finding the letter for him.
Quote #6
"As poet and mathematician he would reason well; as mere mathematician he could not have reasoned at all, and thus would have been at the mercy of the Prefect." (100)
Here go you, the recipe for criminal success: the analytical and observational skills of a mathematician combined with the creativity and wit of a poet.