Twenty minutes later his couriers were on their way. To him who arrived at Trier first, Louvois promised a purse of one thousand louis d'ors, and, if he reached the city in time to save it, the sum was to be doubled.
Thanks to this reward, as well as to the dilatory movements of the courier that had borne the order for destruction. Trier was saved on the very morning of the day which should have been its last.
Louvois was ordered to bring the news to the duchess in person.
She was in her cabinet with the Duke de Chartres, who had been complaining of the ugliness and stupidity of his affianced bride. Louvois was announced, and the duchess, in her impetuous way, hurried to the door and met him—not by way of welcoming him, however.
"I never expected to see you here under my roof," said she, "nor would I receive you had you not come from his majesty."
"Madame, I will withdraw as soon as my message is delivered," replied Louvois, haughtily. "His majesty has sent me to announce to your royal highness that Trier is safe."
"Now, God be thanked!" exclaimed Elizabeth-Charlotte solemnly.
"With your leave, madame, I withdraw," observed Louvois.
"Not yet. You have brought me tidings of one deliverance—I will impart to you another. Have you any news from my poor Laura?"
A cloud overspread the minister's brow. "I have not heard from her for more than a year, at which time she fled from her husband's castle, how or whither he has never been able to discover."