30th. Well, all I want is that _you_ should detain them one or two
days longer, in order that they may arrive here on _Thursday, the
3rd_, if possible _early_. My reason for this is as follows: a number
of the Ministers are coming down here on Monday to stay till Thursday,
on affairs of great importance, and as you know that people are always
on the alert to make remarks, I think if _all_ the Ministers were to
be down here when they arrive, people would say--it was to _settle
matters_. At all events it is better to avoid this. I think indeed a
day or two at Brussels will do these young gentlemen good, and
they can be properly fitted out there for their visit. Ever yours
devotedly,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st October 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--I received your kind letter on Sunday, for which many
thanks. The _retard_ of these young people puts me rather out, but of
course cannot be helped. I had a letter from Albert yesterday saying
they could not set off, he thought, before the 6th. I think they don't
exhibit much _empressement_ to come here, which rather shocks me.

I got a very nice letter from dear Alexander yesterday from
Reinhardtsbrun;[57] he says Albert is very much improved, but not
taller than Augustus. His description of him is as follows:--"Albert,
I found, had become stronger and more handsome; still he has not grown
much taller; he is of about the same size as Augustus; he is a most
pleasant, intelligent young man. I find, too, that he has become more
lively than he was, and that sits well on him, too." (_Translation._)
I think you may like to hear this, as I know Alexander is a very
correct observer of persons, and his opinion may be relied upon. He
adds that Albert plagues Leopold beyond measure.

I shall take care and send a gentleman and carriages to meet my
cousins, either at Woolwich or the Tower, at whichever place you
inform me they land at. The sooner they come the better. I have got
the house _full_ of Ministers. On Monday the Queen Dowager is coming
to sleep here for two nights; it is the _first time_, and will be a
severe trial. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 57: A picturesque castle, about eight miles from
Gotha.]

[Pageheading: A CHARM AGAINST EVIL]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th October 1839._

The Queen sends the little _charm_ which she hopes may keep L