He spoke to her in a stern, distinct voice.
"I don't know," he said, "how far you are a party to the plot that was hatched in your house.

For the present I am content not to know, for it is no pleasure to me to detect disloyalty or to punish an old woman.

But take care! The first word you speak, the first act you do against me, the king, will bring its certain and swift punishment.

If you trouble me, I won't spare you.

In spite of traitors I am still king in Strelsau." He paused, looking hard in her face.