aise him....

In Greece affairs look very black, and God knows how it all will end.

[Footnote 28: _Charge d'Affaires_ in the absence of the French
Ambassador.]

[Pageheading: VISIT OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _5th October 1844._

MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I have not much to say about my
father's _lodging habits_ and _likings_.[29] My father is one of the
beings _most easy_ to _please_, _satisfy_, and to _accommodate_.
His eventful life has used him to everything, and makes any kind of
arrangements acceptable to him; there is only _one thing_ which
he _cannot easily do_, it is to be _ready very early_. He means
notwithstanding to try to come to your breakfast, but you _must insist
upon his not doing it_. It would disturb him in all his habits, and be
bad for him, as he would certainly eat, a thing he is not used to
do in the morning. He generally takes hardly what may be called a
_breakfast_, and eats _only twice_ in the day. It would be also _much
better_ for him if he only appeared to luncheon and dinner, and if you
kindly dispensed him altogether of the breakfast. You must not tell
him that I wrote you _this_, but you must manage it with Montpensier,
and kindly order for him a bowl of _chicken broth_. It is the only
thing he takes generally in the morning, and between his meals. I
have also no observation to make, but I have told Montpensier to speak
openly to Albert whenever he thought something ought to be done for my
father, or might hurt and inconvenience him, and you may consult him
when you are in doubt. He is entrusted with all the recommendations
of my mother, for my father is naturally _so imprudent_ and _so little
accustomed_ to _caution and care_, that he must in some measure be
_watched_ to prevent his catching cold or doing what may be injurious
to him. About his _rooms_, a hard bed and a large table for his papers
are the only things he requires. He generally sleeps on a horse-hair
mattress with a plank of wood under it: but _any kind_ of bed will do,
if it is not _too soft_. His liking will be to be entirely at _your
commands_ and to do _all you like_. You know he can take a great deal
of exercise, and _everything_ will _interest_ and _delight_ him, to
see, as to do: this is not a compliment, but a _mere fact_. His only
wish is, that you should not go out of your way for him, and change
your habits on his account. Lord A