"See," said the king, throwing it into the fire, "the cane is not, as you said, the image of my sceptre. It is like to faithful Prussia, which bends to my will, but which will not be broken by it. Act thus, Porporina, and it will be well for you."
"What, then, is your majesty's wish in relation to me? I am, indeed, a strange person to trouble the equanimity of so great a character?"
"It is my will that you give up your intention of leaving Berlin. Do you think this offensive?"
The eager and almost passionate glance of Frederick explained this reparation. Consuelo felt her terrors revive. She said—
"I will not consent. I see I would have to pay too dearly for the honor of sometimes amusing your majesty by my voice. All here are objects of suspicion. The lowest and most obscure are liable to be accused. I cannot live thus."
"Are you dissatisfied with your salary?" said Frederick. "It will be increased."
"No, sire. I am not avaricious: your majesty is aware of that."
"True. You do not worship money—I must do you that justice. No one knows what you love!"
"I love liberty, sire."
"And who interferes with that? You seek to make a quarrel, and have no excuse for doing so. You wish to go—that is plain."