La Motte higgled very hard for more, and talked pathetically of his services and his wounds--for he had been a most distinguished and courageous campaigner--but Alonzo was implacable.

Moreover, one Robert Bien-Aime, Prior of Renty, was present at all the conferences.

This ecclesiastic was a busy intriguer, but not very adroit.

He was disposed to make himself useful to government, for he had set his heart upon putting the mitre of Saint Omer upon his head, and he had accordingly composed a very ingenious libel upon the Prince of Orange, in which production, "although the Prior did not pretend to be Apelles or Lysippus," he hoped that the Governor-General would recognize a portrait colored to the life.

This accomplished artist was, however, not so successful as he was picturesque and industrious.