sensible of your good opinion, and that he can have no other object
than that which he considers best to secure my happiness, which is
closely connected with the well-being of the country.

I am glad you saw Prince Metternich, and that you were satisfied with
the interview.

I hope and trust you may derive much benefit from your stay at
Wiesbaden. Pray name me to good Stockmar, and believe me, always, your
most devoted Niece and Child,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: CONGRATULATIONS]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _9th November 1839._

MY MOST BELOVED VICTORIA,--Your Uncle has already told you, I trust,
with what feelings of deep affection and gratitude I received the so
_interesting_ and _important_ communication which you permitted him
to make to me; but I was longing for an opportunity to speak to you
myself of the great subject which fills now our hearts, and to tell
you how very grateful I have been, I am, and will ever be, for the
confidence and trust which you so kindly placed in me. All I can
say is that you did full justice to my feelings, for _nothing_ could
interest _more_ my heart than _your_ marriage, my most dearly loved
Victoria, and I could not have heard even of that of Clementine with
_more_ anxious affection and sisterly love. I cannot really tell you
_with words_ how deeply and strongly I was moved and affected by the
great news itself, and by your dear, unaffected, confiding, happy
letter. When I received it I could do nothing but cry, and say
internally, "May God bless her now and ever!" Ah! may God bless you,
my most beloved Victoria! may He shower on you His best blessings,
fulfil _all_ your heart's wishes and hopes, and let you enjoy for
_many, many years_ the happiness which the dearest ties of affection
_alone_ can give, and which is the only _real_ one, the only worthy of
the name in this uncertain and transitory world!

I have seen much of dear Albert two years ago, I have watched him, as
you may well think, with particular care, attention, and interest, and
although he was very young then, I am well convinced that he is not
only fit for the situation which he is now called to fulfil, but, what
is still more important in my eyes, that he has _all those qualities_
of the heart and the mind which can give and ensure happiness. I think
even that his disposition is particularly well calculated to suit
yours, and I am fully confident that you will be both