t December 1838._

... Lord Melbourne saw Mr. Stephenson this morning and learns from him
that the Duke of Sussex[45] is in the highest degree discontented at
being informed decisively that there is no intention of sending him
to Ireland. He is very loud against the Government, and is also very
angry with Mr Stephenson, and the latter expects that he shall receive
his dismissal.... Mr Stephenson assures Lord Melbourne that he has
mentioned this matter to no one but Lord Melbourne and Lady Mary,
and it is of importance that it should be kept secret. Lord Melbourne
thinks it his duty to apprise your Majesty of the feelings of the
Duke, and of the possible origin of them.

Lord and Lady Holland return to London to-day and Lord Melbourne is
going to dine with them.

[Footnote 45: The Duke of Sussex was anxious to be appointed
Viceroy of Ireland. Mr Stephenson was his Private Secretary.
See _ante_, p. 129. (Ch. VII, 'Ireland and O'Connell)]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_22nd December 1838._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and cannot
express how deeply concerned he is to find himself restrained from
obeying your Majesty's commands, and repairing without delay to
Brighton. Both his duty and his inclination would prompt him to do
this without a moment's delay, if he did not find it incumbent upon
him to represent to your Majesty the very important circumstances
which require his presence for two or three days longer in London.
The session of Parliament approaches; the questions which are to be
considered and prepared are of the most appalling magnitude, and of
the greatest difficulty. Many of your Majesty's servants, who fill
the most important offices, are compelled by domestic calamity to
be absent, and it is absolutely necessary that there should be some
general superintendence of the measures to be proposed, and some
consideration of the arrangements to be made. Lord Melbourne assures
your Majesty that he would not delay in London if he did not feel it
to be absolutely necessary for your Majesty's service....

[Pageheading: BRIGHTON]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _28th December 1838._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to thank you for two extremely kind and
dear letters, which made me very happy, and your kind heart would
be pleased to know _how happy_. Sir H. Seymour[46] gave me a very
favourable account of your dearest Maje