too. The first evening there was a
ball, and the next the cascades and fountains were illuminated, which
had a beautiful effect. There was a large party there, including
many of the Duke's family, the Bedfords, Buccleuchs, the Duke of
Wellington, the Normanbys, Lord Melbourne (who is much better),
and the Beauvales. We arrived here at half-past two, we perform our
journey so delightfully on the railroad, so quickly and easily. It
puts me in mind of our dear stay in Belgium, when we stop at the
various stations.

Albert is going out hunting to-morrow, which I wish was _over_, but I
am assured that the country is much better than the Windsor country.

The Duc de Bordeaux's proceedings in London are most highly improper.

The Queen Dowager is also here.

We leave this place on Thursday for home, which, I own, I shall be
glad of at last. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 95: It was built by Mr Joseph Paxton, then
Superintendent of the Gardens, whose intelligence had
attracted the Duke of Devonshire's attention. In 1850 he was
the successful competitor for the Great Exhibition building,
and was knighted on its completion. He superintended its
re-erection at Sydenham, and afterwards became M.P. for
Coventry.]

_The Princess Hohenhohe to Queen Victoria._

LANGENBURG, _10th December 1843._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... You ask in your letter about the manner in
which my children say their prayers? They say it when in their beds,
but not kneeling; how absurd to find _that_ necessary, as if it could
have anything to do with making our prayers more acceptable to the
Almighty or more holy. How really clever people can have those notions
I don't understand. I am sorry it is the case there, where there is
so much good and, I am certain, real piety. Dear Pussy learning her
letters I should like to see and hear; I am sure she will learn them
very quick. Has Bertie not learned some more words and sentences
during your absence?...

Your attached and devoted sister,

FEODORA.

[Pageheading: PRINCE ALBERT WITH THE HOUNDS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th December 1843._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you much for your kind letter of the 7th,
which I received as usual on Sunday. Louise will be able to tell
you _how_ well the remainder of our journey went off, and how well
Albert's hunting answered.[96] One can hardly credit the absur