ann's[3] account of the complete success of our dear
Ferdinand. All has gone off better than even our most sanguine hopes
could have desired. He is much pleased with the good Queen, and she is
delighted with him, and M. de Neumann says that they are already quite
happy together. This is really a great blessing, but I fear that all
the _exterior_ affairs are not in quite _so_ good a state. I hope,
however, that the good people will not make any more difficulties
about Fernando's being Commander-in-Chief, as I hear from all accounts
it is necessary he should be so....

Uncle Ernest and my cousins will probably come here in the beginning
of next month, I hear, and will visit you on their return.

You ask me about Sully's Memoirs, and if I have finished them. I have
not finished them, but am reading them with great interest, and find
there is a great deal in them which applies to the present times, and
a great deal of good advice and reasoning in them. As you say, very
truly, it is extremely necessary for me to follow the "events of the
day," and to do so impartially. I am always both grateful and happy
when you give me any advice, and hope you will continue to do so as
long as I live.

I am glad to hear you approve my singing, and I cannot tell you how
delightful it would be for me, if you could join with us. _A propos_,
dear Uncle, you did not answer what I said to you in a former letter
about your visiting us again. You know, dear Uncle, that this is a
subject upon which I am very _earnest_ and _very_ eager, and as the
summer approaches I grow more and more anxious about it. You know,
also, that _pleasure_ does more good than a hundred walks and rides.

Believe me always, my dearest Uncle, your truly devoted and attached
Niece,

VICTORIA.

[Footnote 3: Baron Neumann, who acted as Minister
Plenipotentiary during the absences of Prince Esterhazy,
succeeded him as Austrian Minister in 1842. He married Lady
Augusta Somerset in 1844.]

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE OF ORANGE]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

_13th May 1836._

MY DEAREST CHILD,--I got this time a very small letter from your good
little Ladyship, and I shall repay it probably in larger coin, as my
letter going through a messenger of my own will become longer, as it
will be more confidential than through the usual mode of conveyance.

I am really _astonished_ at the conduct of your old Uncle the King;
this