Footnote 95: It was built by Mr Joseph Paxton, then Superintendent of the Gardens, whose intelligence had attracted the Duke of Devonshire's attention. In 1850 he was the successful competitor for the Great Exhibition building, and was knighted on its completion. He superintended its re-erection at Sydenham, and afterwards became M.P. for Coventry.
The Princess Hohenhohe to Queen Victoria.
Langenburg, 10th December 1843.
My dearest Victoria,—... You ask in your letter about the manner in which my children say their prayers? They say it when in their beds, but not kneeling; how absurd to find that necessary, as if it could have anything to do with making our prayers more acceptable to the Almighty or more holy. How really clever people can have those notions I don't understand. I am sorry it is the case there, where there is so much good and, I am certain, real piety. Dear Pussy learning her letters I should like to see and hear; I am sure she will learn them very quick. Has Bertie not learned some more words and sentences during your absence?...
Your attached and devoted sister,
Feodora.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
PRINCE ALBERT WITH THE HOUNDS
Windsor Castle, 12th December 1843.
My dearest Uncle,—I thank you much for your kind letter of the 7th, which I received as usual on Sunday. Louise will be able to tell you how well the remainder of our journey went off, and how well Albert's hunting answered.96 One can hardly credit the absurdity of people here, but Albert's riding so boldly and hard has made such a sensation that it has been written all over the country, and they make much more of it than if he had done some great act!