"And I refuse," she answered. "Send the message."
"Will your Majesty show the King the bracelet of medallions?" said Lord
Cloverton.
The King rose angrily.
"Once before, my Lord—" and then he stopped.
"Send the message," cried the Queen.
"And then look to your own safety," said Lord Cloverton, turning sharply to the King. "Russia has plotted against you; her troops lie still on the frontier, and treachery has been beside you. By a strange chance the plot miscarried, but it was near to success. This was found in Jules de Froilette's possession," and he held up the bracelet.
The King looked at it. The Queen drew in her breath sharply, and bit her lip until the blood came. "What is the meaning of this?" said the King, turning to her after a pause.
"At a fitting time I will answer," she said.
The King sat down heavily in his chair.
"I will send no message," he said.