But what reply was it possible to send to such letters as the following (I have kept a few specimens)?
"To Her Majesty the Queen of Italy.
"Madame,—
"We are a young married couple, honest, but poor. We were unable to have a honeymoon, for lack of money. It would be our dream to go to Italy, which is said to be the land of lovers. We thought that Your Majesty, loving your husband as you do and, therefore, knowing what love means, might consent to help us to make this little journey. We should want 500 francs; we entreat Your Majesty to lend it to us. When my husband has a better situation—he is at present an assistant in a curiosity-shop—he will not fail to repay Your Majesty the money.
"Pray accept the thanks, Madame, of
"Your Majesty's respectful and grateful servant,
"Marie G—,
"Poste Restante 370,
"Paris."
"To His Majesty the King of Italy.