Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
My dearest Uncle,—I had the happiness of receiving your kind letter of the 26th while I was dressing to go to the City for the opening of the Royal Exchange.[1] Nothing ever went off better, and the procession there, as well as all the proceedings at the Royal Exchange, were splendid and royal in the extreme. It was a fine and gratifying sight to see the myriads of people assembled—more than at the Coronation even, and all in such good humour, and so loyal; the articles in the papers, too, are most kind and gratifying; they say no Sovereign was more loved than I am (I am bold enough to say), and that, from our happy domestic home—which gives such a good example. The Times you have, and I venture to add a Chronicle, as I think it very pretty; you should read the accounts. I seldom remember being so gratified and pleased with any public show, and my beloved Albert was so enthusiastically received by the people. He is so beloved by all the really influential people, and by all right-thinking ones. We came back here yesterday evening. The accounts from Paris are excellent too. How long are the good Joinvilles to remain in the south, and where? By-the-by, dearest Uncle, have you read the continuation of Consuelo,[2] called the “Comtesse de Rudolstadt”? It is dreadfully interesting.
The Knights of the Garter did not wear the whole costume, but only the mantle. Being on this topic, shall tell you that I intend giving the Garter to Ernest, but pray do not mention it to E. or any one.
With Albert’s affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece and Child, Victoria R.
The King of the French to Queen Victoria.
Madame ma bien chère Sœur,—Mes souvenirs de Windsor sont de ceux dont aucun ne s’efface. Je n’oublie done pas une petite question qui m’a été si joliment adressée, Where is my gun? et à présent j’en ai trouvé un qui serait indigne de la destinée que je prie votre Majesté de me permettre de lui donner, si le regret que la disparition du premier fusil avait
- ↑ On the preceding day.
- ↑ The novel by George Sand (1804-1876), published in 1842.
