to us their hopes of returning to us soon. Do let us have the
hope of seeing you in February. It would be delightful!... I must now
wish you good-bye. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: HEADMASTERSHIP OF ETON]

_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._

LONDON, _9th January 1853._

... Lord Aberdeen also begs to mention to your Majesty that he saw
Dr Hawtrey yesterday and in signifying your Majesty's gracious
intentions[1] towards him, took an opportunity of expressing in very
strong terms the great importance of the choice of his successor as
Headmaster of Eton, and described the requisite qualifications for
such a situation, as well as the objections to which some appointments
might be liable. Lord Aberdeen was perfectly understood by Dr Hawtrey,
although no name was mentioned; and the subject was regarded as being
of the utmost importance, not only to the school itself, but to the
nation at large.

[Footnote 1: Dr E. C. Hawtrey was advanced to the Provostship
of Eton upon the death of the Rev. Francis Hodgson. Dr C. O.
Goodford succeeded to the Headmastership.]

[Pageheading: MARRIAGE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON]

_Lady Augusta Bruce to the Duchess of Kent._

RUE DE VARENNES 65, _31st January 1853._

DEAREST MADAME,--I fear that I shall not be able to add much to the
newspaper account of yesterday's ceremony,[2] for it was one the
impression of which is best conveyed by a simple and accurate
description of the scene, and of those arrangements and details which
combined to render its effect gorgeous and dazzling. Apart, however,
from the historical interest attached to it as one of the very curious
acts of the extraordinary Drama now enacting in France, the impression
produced was one that would be called forth by a magnificent
theatrical representation, and little more. This seemed to be the
public feeling, for though multitudes thronged the streets, the day
being dry, they appeared to be animated by curiosity chiefly, and that
_sober_ curiosity which now characterises the people of Paris, wearied
as they are of _novelty_ and excitement. As far as one can judge,
it does not seem that the lower orders take much interest in this
marriage; the ambition and vanity of _his_ partisans have been wounded
by it, and, of course, his enemies do not scruple to calumniate and
slander the unfortunate object of his choice disgracefully.

It is very difficult to ascertain anything