most despotic acts, from a sense that
that _is_ the _only_ way to govern; he is not, I am sure, aware of the
dreadful cases of individual misery which he so often causes, for I
can see by various instances that he is kept in utter ignorance of
_many_ things, which his people carry out in most corrupt ways, while
he thinks that he is extremely just. He thinks of general measures,
but does not look into detail. And I am sure _much_ never reaches
his ears, and (as you observed), how can it? He asked for _nothing_
whatever, has merely expressed his great anxiety to be upon the best
terms with us, but _not_ to the _exclusion of others_, only let things
remain as they are.... He is I should say, too frank, for he talks
so openly before people, which he should not do, and with difficulty
restrains himself. His anxiety _to be believed_ is _very_ great, and
I must say his personal promises I _am inclined_ to believe; then his
feelings are very strong; he _feels_ kindness deeply--and his love for
his wife and children, and for all children, is _very_ great. He has a
strong feeling for domestic life, saying to me, when our children were
in the room: "Voila les doux moments de notre vie." He was not only
civil, but extremely kind _to us both_, and spoke in the highest
praise of dearest Albert to Sir Robert Peel, saying he wished any
Prince in Germany had that ability and sense; he showed Albert great
confidence, and I _think_ it will do great good, as if _he_ praises
him abroad it will have great weight. He is _not_ happy, and that
melancholy which is visible in the countenance made me sad at times;
the sternness of the eyes goes very much off when you know him,
and changes according to his being put out (and he _can_ be much
embarrassed) or not, and also from his being heated, as he suffers
with congestions to the head. My Angel thinks that he is a man
inclined too much to give way to impulse and feeling, which makes him
act wrongly often. His admiration for beauty is very great, and put me
much in mind of you, when he drove out with us, looking out for
pretty people. But he remains very faithful to those he admired
_twenty-eight_ years ago; for instance, Lady Peel, who has hardly
any remains left. Respecting Belgium he did not speak to _me_, but to
Albert and the Ministers. As for unkindly feeling towards _you_, he
disclaims positively any, saying he knew you well, and that you had
served in the Russian Army, etc., but he says th