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, who may _become Queen to-morrow!_And to all this he says, "C'est seulement une affaire de famille"! The King is very fond of England, and still more of peace, and he never _can_ sacrifice this (for though it would not be immediate war it would cause coolness with us and with other Powers, and would probably lead to war in a short time), for a breach of faith and _for one of his sons'_ marriages. No quarrel or misunderstanding in the world _could be more disagreeable_ and to me _more cruelly painful_, for it is _so personal_, and has come into the midst of all our communications and correspondence, and is too annoying. It is so sad, too, for dear Louise, to whom one cannot say that her father has behaved dishonestly. I hope, however, another ten days will show us some _daylight_. I will not mention anything about Leopold's[24] answer, as Albert will, I doubt not, write to you all about it. It is very satisfactory, however. We are since this day week in our charming new house, which is delightful, and to-morrow we go, alas! to Windsor, where we expect the Queen-Dowager and the Princess of Prussia, who will remain a week with us. Ever your devoted Niece, VICTORIA R. I received this afternoon your kind letter from Gais of the 12th. One word more I must just add. No doubt if Lord Aberdeen had been at his post what has happened would _not_ have taken place, and suspicion of Lord Palmerston _has_ been the cause of the _unjustifiable_ conduct of the French Government. But just as they _did_ suspect him, they should have been more cautious to do anything which could bring on a quarrel, which is surely not what the King can wish. [Footnote 24: Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg.] [Pageheading: THE PRINCESS OF PRUSSIA] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th September 1846._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received last week your very kind and _satisfactory_ letter of the 16th. Your opinion on this truly unfortunate and, on the part of the French, disgraceful affair is a great support to us. Stockmar has, I know, communicated to you what has passed, and he will send you copies of the King's letter and my answer. Our conduct has been throughout _honest_, and the King's and Guizot's the contrary. _How_ the King _can_ wantonly throw away the friendship of one who has stood by him with such sincere affection, for a _doubtful_ object of personal and family aggrandizement, is to me and to the
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