"I gave no such token," she said.
Lord Cloverton started slightly at being given the lie so directly.
What subterfuge was a woman not capable of?
"You have your answer, my lord," said the King, moving toward his wife.
The Ambassador bowed. He could hardly pursue the matter further unless the King assisted him, and he turned to leave the room.
"You are not satisfied?" said the King sternly.
"No, your Majesty."
"What proof can you have? What was the token?"
Lord Cloverton turned quickly. It was the very question he had hoped for.
"A sacred treasure of Sturatzberg, the iron bracelet her Majesty is accustomed to wear upon her arm." Again there was silence, and, set as his face was, the mask was insufficient to hide the Ambassador's excitement. The Queen stood for a moment quite conscious of the dramatic effect of the silent pause, and then she made three rapid strides toward the Ambassador. With a sudden sweep of her right hand she ripped open the left sleeve of her gown from wrist to shoulder and thrust out her arm to him.
"I demand your apology, Lord Cloverton."