I wish Clem's marriage was no longer a secret, now that it is settled, as it is (forgive my saying it) really a fashion in our family to have these secrets de la comédie, when one is almost forced to tell a lie about what is true. I own I dislike these secrets; it was so with poor Marie and with Vecto. Now adieu! dearest, kindest Uncle, and believe me, always, your most affectionate Niece,

Victoria R.

Footnote 100: He had a paralytic seizure, and never regained his former health or spirits.

Footnote 101: Duc de Montpensier.

Footnote 102: Afterwards eleventh Duke of Hamilton: he was married to Princess Mary on 23rd February following.

Footnote 103: Sister of the Duchess of Kent and of the King of the Belgians, and the wife of Count Mensdorff.

Footnote 104: Alfred, Count Neipperg, who died in 1865.

Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.

THE CROWN JEWELS

Whitehall, 11th November 1842.