ho serve, from
whatever motive it may be, have always their eyes wide open on their
superiors, and no qualities impose so much on them the necessity of
respect, which they _gladly avoid_, than a warm and noble character
that knows how to feel for others, and how to sympathise with their
sorrows. I pity Lord John from all my heart, having always had for him
sentiments of the sincerest regard. I fear that as a political man it
may prove also a severe blow. All depends on how he takes it, if he
will wish to forget his grief by occupying himself with political
strife or if his greater sensibility will make him wish to indulge it
in solitude....

[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th November 1838._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I was certain you _would_ take interest in and feel
for poor Lord John; he is, I hear, still dreadfully shaken, and quite
unequal to do any business at present. His chief consolation is in
attending to the children.

I felt much for you, and still more for poor dear Aunt Louise, when
the sad separation from poor Marie[31] took place; it is so melancholy
to see a dear relation depart who is _so ill_.

I have this morning heard from Ferdinand that the good Queen is
at last confined, after keeping us for _two months_ and _more dans
l'attente_ of the event. It took place on the 3rd, and Ferdinand
writes such a funny letter, saying, "nous sommes tous bien heureux
surtout moi qui craignais que ce ne fut une petite fille ce qui m'eut
ete un peu desagreable, car en fait d'enfants j'aime mieux les petits
garcons, parce qu'ils sont plus gais et plus tapageurs."[32] Isn't
this very good?

I believe the King of the French is to be godfather....

[Footnote 31: See _post_, p. 144. (Ch. VIII, 11th January, 1839)]

[Footnote 32: The Prince received the title of Duke of
Oporto.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_20th November 1838._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and transmits
a copy of Mr. Macaulay's letter.[33]...

Lord Melbourne fears, from what he hears of the language of Lord
Howick and Mr. Monson, that much difficulty will be found in making
arrangements and deciding upon questions. But Lord Melbourne will use
every effort in his power in order to keep the Administration together
and to carry on the public service. Lord Melbourne hears with concern
from Mr Fox Maule that Lord Jo