with the Radicals." (_Croker Papers_, ii.
306.)]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

CLAREMONT, _6th February 1837._

MY BELOVED UNCLE,-- ... I do not know quite for certain when we leave
this place, but I should think to-day week. You must be pleased, dear
Uncle, I think, for we shall have been _six months_ in the country
next Thursday, as we left town on the 10th of August last, and I am
sure you will stand by me for my having my season fully, as you may
understand that my _Operatic_ and _Terpsichorean_ feelings are pretty
strong, now that the season is returning, and I have been a very good
child, not even _wishing_ to come to town till now. We shall certainly
come here for the Easter week.

Dr Clark[17] arrived here quite happy last night, bringing the news
that Van de Weyer had had the best news from Lisbon he had received
since his return, that all had gone off quietly, that Ferdinand was
daily gaining popularity, and that both he and the Queen had been very
well received at the theatre. The man who threw a stone at Ferdinand
was a Frenchman, whom, it seems, Ferdinand had relieved with money
over and over again. A fine specimen of gratitude!

I hope and trust with you that there will be less violence in
Parliament this year, but much is to be feared.

You will miss my good cousins Ernest and Albert very much, I am sure;
I hope you will instil into them to take enough exercise and not to
study too much.

There were two questions in my last letter but one, which you have
not answered, dear Uncle. They are: 1st, What you think of the Queen
Christina of Spain, what opinion _you_ have of her, as one cannot
believe _reports_? 2nd, If you know what sort of people are about
poor little Queen Isabel, and if she is being _well_ or _ill_ brought
up?...

[Footnote 17: Afterwards Sir James Clark, and
Physician-in-Ordinary to the Queen.]

[Pageheading: A DINNER PARTY]

[Pageheading: THE THRONE OF GREECE]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_14th March 1837._

... We had a dinner on Saturday which amused me, as I am very fond
of _pleasant_ society, and we have been for these last three weeks
immured within our old palace, and I longed sadly for some gaiety.
After being so very long in the country I was preparing to go out in
right earnest, whereas I have only been _twice_ to the play since our
return, which is marvellous! However, we are to have ano