"Aye, my husband, for a time," she answered.
"Aye, Mrs. Spencer, your husband for a time—for a purpose—and for a consideration."
She opened her eyes wide.
"Indeed!" she laughed. "I thought the acting was over, Sire."
Frederick's manner changed.
"It is," he said sharply. "We will come to the point. Have you ink and pen?"
"Is that what you came for?" she sneered. "Have you none at the Palace?"
"Quite enough to sign an order within an hour for your incarceration if you continue obdurate," he answered.
"A kingly threat, truly," she mocked. "And, what if I be not obdurate?"
"Then it will be an order permitting you to leave Valeria at once."