be, to be
a _tender and devoted father to you, my beloved child_, and to watch
over you and stand by you with _heart_ and _soul as long_ as the heart
which _loves_ you so sincerely will beat.

I have no doubt that Lord Melbourne will always do everything in his
power to be useful to you. His position is become extremely happy;
after having been, under the late King at least, in an awkward
position, he is now sure of enjoying your confidence and sincere
support. If the elections turn out favourably to the Ministry, it
will, I hope, give them the means of trying to _conciliate_ the
great mass of the _moderate_ Tories, who from their nature and in
consequence of their opinions are safe and desirable supporters of the
Crown. The two extremes will give them trouble, and the ultra-Tories
appear to me to be even the _more unreasonable_ of the two.

I am most happy to see you on your guard against Princess Lieven and
such-like people. Your life amongst intriguers and tormented with
intrigues has given you an experience on this important subject which
you will do well not to lose sight of, as it will unfortunately often
_reproduce itself_, though the names and manner of carrying on the
thing may not be the same.

I also think Windsor a little melancholy, but I believe that one likes
it more and more, as the Park in particular is uncommonly beautiful.
We shall try our best to enliven it by our presence, and probably soon
after your arrival. I am most happy to see you so spirited and happy
in your new position; it will go a great way to ensure your success,
and your spirit and courage will never be _de trop_.

Now I will conclude for the day, not to bore you, and beg you always
to believe me, my dear and beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle and
Friend,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: PRINCESS HOHENLOHE]

_The Princess Hohenlohe to Queen Victoria._

LANGENBURG, _31st July 1837._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--On arriving here, I found your dear letter of
the 9th of this month; and some days ago I received the one of the
16th. Many, many thanks for them both; it is indeed kind of you to
write to me now when you have so much to do. You have no idea what a
feeling it is, to hear and read of you, and to think that it is _you_,
_my own dear sister_, who are the object of general observation, and,
I may say, admiration; it is sometimes like a dream. For those who are
near you it is quite different than for me, who have not seen y