In Vienna things are much better. Louis Napoleon's election seems certain, and I own I wish for it as I think it will lead to something else.
You will grieve to hear that our good, dear, old friend Melbourne is dying; there is no hope, and I enclose a pretty letter of Lady Beauvale's,48 which I think will interest you, and which I beg you to return. One cannot forget how good and kind and amiable he was, and it brings back so many recollections to my mind, though, God knows! I never wish that time back again.
We go to-morrow for four weeks to our dear, peaceful Osborne.
I will now take my leave. Begging you to believe me ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 48: See Greville's appreciative description of Lady Beauvale in his Journal for the 30th of January 1853.
Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria.
Brocket Hall, 23rd November 1848.
Viscount Palmerston is here engaged in the melancholy occupation of watching the gradual extinction of the lamp of life of one who was not more distinguished by his brilliant talents, his warm affections, and his first-rate understanding, than by those sentiments of attachment to your Majesty which rendered him the most devoted subject who ever had the honour to serve a Sovereign.