Later in the year, the Cardinal informed the King that the same nobles were holding a conference at Weerdt, that he had not learned what had been transacted there, but thought the affair very suspicious.

Philip immediately communicated the intelligence to Alva, together with an expression of Granvelle's fears and of his own, that a popular outbreak would be the consequence of the continued presence of the minister in the Netherlands.
The Cardinal omitted nothing in the way of anecdote or inuendo, which could injure the character of the leading nobles, with the exception, perhaps, of Count Egmont.

With this important personage, whose character he well understood, he seemed determined, if possible, to maintain friendly relations.

There was a deep policy in this desire, to which we shall advert hereafter.

The other seigniors were described in general terms as disposed to overthrow the royal authority.