Majesty. Lord Glenlyon[1] has one merit in Lord Melbourne’s eyes, which is that he was a steady and firm supporter to the last of Lord Melbourne’s Government. Lord Melbourne hopes and trusts that he feels no animosity against those who opposed him. But he does and always shall entertain a kindly and grateful recollection of those who supported him.
Lord Melbourne begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness.
The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.
Laeken, 12th October 1844.
My dearly beloved Victoria,—. . . I thank you very much for attending to all my recommendations about my father: I only fear that they will lead you to believe that we consider him as a great child and treat him like one: but he is so precious and dear to us all that I am sure you will understand and excuse our being over anxious ... Yours most devotedly, Louise.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
Osborne House, 17th October 1844.
My dearest Uncle,—I had intended to have written to you on Monday, but you will since have heard of the great confusion of that day which prevented me from doing so. The dear King’s visit went off to perfection, and I much and deeply regret its being passed. He was delighted, and was most enthusiastically and affectionately received wherever he showed himself. Our proceedings I wrote to good, dear Louise (whom you should not leave so long alone), who will no doubt have given you the details. What an extraordinary man the King is! What a wonderful memory, and how lively, how sagacious! He spoke very openly to us all, and is determined that our affairs should go on well. He wishes Tahiti au fond de la mer. He spoke also very openly about poor Hadjy’s brochure, which seems to have distressed him more than anything. The King praised my dearest Albert most highly, and fully appreciates his great qualities and talents—and what gratifies me so much, treats him completely as his equal, calling him “Mon Frére,” and saying to me that my husband was the
- ↑ See vol. i. p. 429.
