She, with her usual prudence, caught his arm.

She then got Louvois out of the room, and exhorted him to come back the next day as if nothing had happened.

The next day he came; but with death in his face.

The King, though full of resentment, was touched with pity, and advised Louvois to go home and take care of himself.

That evening the great minister died.
[244] Louvois had constantly opposed all plans for the invasion of England.
His death was therefore regarded at Saint Germains as a fortunate event.
[245] It was however necessary to look sad, and to send a gentleman to Versailles with some words of condolence.