eady_ under _your_ roof. I will also only say, that though he
has sent over his horses in case they should be wanted, my mother
begs you to _prevent, if possible, his riding at all_. I wrote to her
already that I supposed there would be _no occasion_ for riding,
and that your _promenades_ would be either on foot or in carriage.
I entrusted Montpensier with all my messages for you, my beloved
Victoria and your dear children. He hopes you will permit him, during
his stay at Windsor, to make _two_ excursions--one to London, and one
to Woolwich--he is very curious to see, as an artillery officer. I
mention it as he would be, perhaps, _too shy_ or _too discreet_ to
mention it himself. He might very well do those two trips by the
railroad and be back for dinner-time, and I am sure you will have no
objection to them.... Yours most devotedly,

LOUISE.

I am very glad that Lord Charles Wellesley is one of those who will
attend my father. Montpensier and him will have surely capital fun
together, and he was, you know, a great favourite with every one at
Eu. If by chance Lord Hardwicke was in waiting during my father's
stay, you must kindly put my father in mind to thank him for the
_famous cheese_, which arrived safely, and was found very good....

[Pageheading: THE KING'S ARRIVAL]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th October 1844._

DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, forgive my writing but a few
lines as I am all alone in the agitation of the dear King's arrival,
and I will leave my letter open to announce it to you. My _dearest_
master is gone to Portsmouth to receive him. The excitement and
curiosity to see the dear King, and the desire to give him a most
hearty reception, is _very great indeed_.

Many thanks for your kind letters of the 28th and 4th. I can't think
who could have said that Peel, etc., would _not_ have been here; for
he, Aberdeen, and the old Duke are to be here the whole time, and all
the other Ministers will come _during_ his stay.

I am very glad Joinville is arrived, and avoided his _entrees
triomphales_. I hope he will take great care of himself.

You will have heard from dear Louise of our voyage, etc. I cannot
reconcile myself to be _here_ again, and pine for my _dear_
Highlands, the hills, the pure air, the quiet, the retirement, the
liberty--_all_--more than is right. The children are well. I am sorry
to hear that you are not quite so yet.

3.30.--