Perhaps Frina Mavrodin was prepared for the King's words. She did not start, the color did not rise to her cheeks. She remained silent for a few moments, feeling that the King's eyes were fixed upon her.
"I can guess who was your Majesty's informant," she said quietly. "Lord Cloverton. He has always credited me with a power I do not possess, and has often set traps for me. They were subtly hidden, well devised to catch a schemer; but, being innocent, they failed to ensnare me."
"We ourselves have eyes, Countess; it is not necessary that the British
Ambassador should see for us."
"No, your Majesty; but we, the Court, sometimes fancy that he attempts to take that duty upon himself," Frina answered.
"Then you will not help me, Countess?" said the King with a smile.
"In any way I can, your Majesty."
"But not in the way I want. It is a pity. You will force me to harsh measures. There is one other I may constrain to tell me, unless he values his secret more than life."
Frina looked at him, a question in her eyes, but her lips gave it no words.
"A brave man," said the King, "although circumstances have made him my enemy. You might save him."
Still Frina was silent.