Dearest Uncle,—... We have been very gay; danced into the New Year, and again last night, and were very merry, though but a very small party; young and old danced. Good Lord Melbourne was here from Saturday till this morning, looking very well, and I almost fancied happy old times were returned; but alas! the dream is past! He enquired much after you.

Now adieu! Ever your devoted Niece,

Victoria R.

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

BETROTHAL OF PRINCE DE JOINVILLE

Claremont, 10th January 1843.

My dearest Uncle,—I am happy to write to you again from this so very dear and comfortable old place, where you will have heard from Louise that we arrived with our dear Pussy on Thursday last. We are all so particularly well, including Pussy, that we intend, to my great delight, to prolong our stay till next Monday. This place has a peculiar charm for us both, and to me it brings back recollections of the happiest days of my otherwise dull childhood—where I experienced such kindness from you, dearest Uncle, which has ever since continued. It is true that my last stay here before I came to the Throne, from November '36 to February '37, was a peculiarly painful and disagreeable one, but somehow or other, I do not think of those times, but only of all the former so happy ones. Victoria plays with my old bricks, etc., and I think you would be pleased to see this and to see her running and jumping in the flower garden, as old—though I fear still little—Victoria of former days used to do. She is very well, and such an amusement to us, that I can't bear to move without her; she is so funny and speaks so well, and in French also, she knows almost everything; she would therefore get on famously with Charlotte....

Might I ask you some questions about Joinville's match,1 which interests me much? First of all, have you heard of his arrival at Rio? Secondly, if the Donna Francesca pleases, is he empowered at once to make the demand, or must he write home first? How nice it would be if the two marriages could take place at once; but I suppose, under any circumstances, that could not be....

Alexandrine is nearly quite recovered; she writes such pretty, affectionate, kind letters, poor dear child, and is so fond of Ernest. I must say I think he seems improved, as he likes to live quietly with her, and speaks of her too with the greatest affection.

Now, my dearest Uncle, let me take my leave, begging you to believe me, always, your devoted Niece,