The "little Count," as the Prior called Lalain, together with his brother, Baron Montigny, were considered highly desirable acquisitions for government, if they could be gained.

It was thought, however, that they had the "fleur-de-lys imprinted too deeply upon their hearts," for the effect produced upon Lalain, governor of Hainault, by Margaret of Valois, had not yet been effaced.

His brother also had been disposed to favor the French prince, but his mind was more open to conviction.

A few private conferences with La Motte, and a course of ecclesiastical tuition from the Prior--whose golden opinions had irresistible resonance--soon wrought a change in the Malcontent chieftain's mind.

Other leading seigniors were secretly dealt with in the same manner.