he only man capable of unravelling and detecting the
tortuous policy of Prussia, and almost every moment of his time was
engrossed by these stupendous labours. It was only upon the journey
home--broken and protracted as it was--that he had the full opportunity of
ascertaining, by the use of his own faculties, the faults and
imperfections of the Princess, and surely it was then by far too late to
interfere.

Lord Malmesbury was present at the nuptials. There was little gaiety on
the occasion--none certainly in the heart of one--if not both--of the
principal actors in the scene.

"I should have said that the marriage ceremony took place late on the
evening of Wednesday, the 8th April, at St James's Chapel-Royal. The
ceremony was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, (Moore.) The
usual etiquette observed--we had assembled in the Queen's apartment;
from thence to the usual drawing-rooms, (very dark.) The procession,
preceded by the heralds and great officers of the court, (amongst
whom I was ordered to attend,) walked to the Chapel--very crowded.
Prince of Wales gave his hat, with a rich diamond button and loop, to
Lord Harcourt to hold, and made him a present of it. After the
marriage, we returned to the Queen's apartment. The King told me to
wear the Windsor uniform, and have the _entrees_. The Prince very
civil and gracious; but I thought I could perceive he was not quite
sincere, _and certainly unhappy; and as a proof of it, he had
manifestly had recourse to wine or spirits_." Lord Malmesbury remarks
in conclusion--"It is impossible to conceive or foresee any comfort
from this connexion, in which I lament very much having taken any
share, purely passive as it was."

Such is the secret history of the commencement of this ill-starred union,
which was destined at a future, and even more perilous period, to form one
of the most dangerous points of discord between the crown and people of
these realms. At the lapse of half a century, the appearance of these
documents is valuable, for they throw light upon many passages which
otherwise could only have been dimly conjectured. Since then, society in
the higher circles has undergone considerable reformation. More
amalgamation and friendly intercourse is yearly taking place among the
different courts of Europe; and we hail those reunions with joy, as the
best securities not only of the priv