s really very interesting, and our reception as well as that of the
Emperor _most_ enthusiastic. Louise tells me you had a review the
same day, and that it also was so hot. Our children were there,
and charmed. On the 6th we went with the Emperor and King to the
races,[16] and I never saw such a crowd; again _here_ the reception
was _most brilliant_. Every evening a large dinner in the Waterloo
Room, and the two last evenings in uniforms, as the Emperor disliked
so being _en frac_, and was quite embarrassed in it. On the 7th we
took him and the King back here, and in the evening had a party of 260
about. On Saturday (8th) my Angel took the Emperor and King to a very
elegant breakfast[17] at Chiswick, which I for prudence' sake did
_not_ go to, but was very sorry for it. In the evening we went to
the Opera (_not_ in State), but they recognised us, and we were most
brilliantly received. I had to force the Emperor forward, as he never
would come forward when I was there, and I was obliged to take him by
the hand and make him appear; it was impossible to be better bred or
more respectful than he was towards me. Well, on Sunday afternoon at
five, he left us (my Angel accompanied him to Woolwich), and he
was much affected at going, and really unaffectedly touched at his
reception and stay, the simplicity and quietness of which told upon
his love of domestic life, which is very great. I will now (having
told _all_ that has passed) give you _my_ opinion and feelings on the
subject, which I may say are Albert's also. I was extremely against
the visit, fearing the _gene_, and bustle, and even at first, I did
not feel at _all_ to like it, but by living in the same house together
quietly and unrestrainedly (and this Albert, and with great truth,
says is the great advantage of these visits, that I not only _see_
these great people but _know_ them), I got to know the Emperor and he
to know me. There is much about him which I cannot help liking, and
I think his character is _one_ which should be understood, and
looked upon for _once_ as it is. He is stern and severe--with fixed
principles of _duty_ which _nothing_ on earth will make him change;
very _clever_ I do _not_ think him, and his mind is an uncivilised
one; his education has been neglected; politics and military concerns
are the only things he takes great interest in; the arts and all
softer occupations he is insensible to, but he is sincere, I am
certain, _sincere_ even in his