likewise been
suffering so from _lowness_ that it made me quite miserable, and I
know how difficult it is to fight against it. I am delighted to hear
that all the children are so well. I wonder very much who our little
boy will be like. You will understand _how_ fervent my prayers and
I am [sure] _everybody's_ must be, to see him resemble his angelic
dearest Father in _every, every_ respect, both in body and mind. Oh!
my dearest Uncle, I am sure if you knew _how_ happy, how blessed I
feel, and how _proud_ I feel in possessing _such_ a perfect being as
my husband, as he is, and if you think that you have been instrumental
in bringing about this union, it must gladden your heart! How happy
should I be to see our child grow up _just_ like him! Dear Pussy
travelled with us and behaved like a grown-up person, so quiet and
looking about and coquetting with the Hussars on either side of the
carriage. Now adieu! Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: THE APPROACHING CHRISTENING]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

CASTLE HOWARD, _22nd December 1841._

... Lord Melbourne will consider himself most highly honoured by being
invited to the christening, and will hold himself in readiness to
attend, whenever it may take place. He has written to Mr Anson in
answer to the letter which he received from him this morning. Lord
Melbourne has been obliged to consent to receive an address from
Derby, and has fixed Monday the 27th inst. for that purpose. He could
have wished to have avoided this, but it was impossible, and he must
make the best of it that he can, which he conceives will be effected
by conceiving his reply in very guarded terms, and in a tone defensive
of his own administration, but not offensive to those who have
succeeded him....

Lord Melbourne is very glad to hear of the feelings of the King of
Prussia. For religious matters he is at present very popular with many
in this country, and popularity, though transient and uncertain, is
a good thing while it lasts. The King of the Belgians should not be
surprised or mortified at the conduct of the King of Holland. We must
expect that people will act according to their nature and feelings.
The Union of Belgium and Holland has been for a long time the first
wish and the daily dream of the House of Orange. It has been the great
object of their lives, and by the separation, which took place in
1830, they saw their fondest hopes disappointed and de