r as to hurt as
little as possible the _amour-propre_ of people, to let circumstances
and the force of things bring about the disappointments which no human
power could prevent coming sooner or later: that they should come as
_late_ as possible is in your interest. Should anything happen to the
King before I can enter more fully into the necessary details, limit
yourself to _taking kindly_ and in a _friendly_ manner the present
Administration into your service. They are _naturally friendly to your
interests_, _as you are in fact the only possible Sovereign of the
whole family_, with the exception of the Duke of Sussex, they can
_serve_ with _sincerity_ and _attachment_. This is of great importance
to you, as it is by no means the same thing to have people who aid and
assist you with feelings of real attachment, or merely from cold and
calculating motives of political expediency and self-interest.
This being done, no other step should be taken without consulting
seriously. The very time which is necessary to attain this end is
favourable to you, as it is your greatest interest for the _present
moment_ to act most cautiously and to gain as much _time_ as possible.
In high positions it is excessively difficult to _retrace_ a false
move to get out of a mistake; and there exists very rarely, except in
time of war and civil feuds, a necessity for an _immediate_ decision.
Your part must be, to resume once more what I said before, to
remain as long as possible _agreeable_ to all parties, and after the
formation of the Ministry, to be most careful how you take any measure
of importance....

[Pageheading: THE KING'S ILLNESS]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_16th June 1837._

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--... I cannot say how happy I am that the _entree
publique_ into Paris succeeded so well, and that the dear King was
so well received; I trust he will now at last be rewarded for all the
troubles and anxiety he has had ever since 1830. Lord Palmerston said
that the French say that _l'assassinat est hors de mode_. I hope and
trust in Heaven that this may be the case, and _for ever_!

You know, of course, dear Uncle, how _very ill_ the King is; it
may _all be over_ at _any moment_, and yet _may_ last a few days.
Consequently, we have not been out anywhere in public since Tuesday,
6th, and since Wednesday all my lessons are stopped, as the news may
arrive very suddenly....

_The King of the Belgians