ou yet
in your new position, but must represent to myself all through the
report of others. The description in the papers of your proroguing
Parliament I read with great interest; it must have been an imposing
moment for you, your standing for the first time in your life in
the middle of that assembly where the interests and welfare of your
country are discussed and decided upon. It is with pride, pleasure,
and anxiety I think of you at the description of such scenes and
occurrences. I saw too by the papers that your _incognito_ at the
Opera was not quite kept as you wished it....

[Pageheading: THE ELECTIONS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st August 1837._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... I should be _most_ happy to "peep once" into
your country, and wish that it _could_ be.

With respect to Politics, Lord Melbourne told me this morning that he
thinks the Lords will be more moderate and reasonable next Session.
The Duke of Wellington made a speech shortly before the Dissolution of
Parliament, in which he said that _he wished as much as the Government
did to pass the questions now pending_.

You do not think Alexander[63] _near_ handsome enough in my opinion;
you know, ladies are much better judges. He is somewhat colossal,
I own, but very proportionate and good-looking, I think. I am all
impatience to hear more about all this, and when you imagine the
marriage will take place.

I have resumed my singing lessons with Lablache[64] twice a week,
which form an agreeable recreation in the midst of all the business I
have to do. He is such a good old soul, and greatly pleased that I go
on with him. I admire the music of the _Huguenots_ very much, but do
not sing it, as I prefer Italian to French for singing greatly. I
have been learning in the beginning of the season many of your old
favourites, which I hope to sing with you when we meet. I wish I could
keep Lablache to sing with us, but he will be gone by that time, I
greatly fear.

Now farewell, my beloved Uncle. Give my affectionate love to my dear
Aunt, and believe me always, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_J'embrasse Leopold et Philippe._

[Footnote 63: Prince Alexander of Wuertemberg, betrothed to Princess
Marie of Orleans, daughter of Louis Philippe. She died 10th January
1839. See Letter of Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians, 11th
January 1839.]

[Footnote 64: See _ante_, p. 50. (Ch. V, Footnote 7)]