et out of one's head. The
Government can in no way be accused of these murders, but there is
_no_ doubt that the _standard of morality_ is _very low_ indeed, in
France, and that the higher classes are extremely unprincipled. This
must shake the security and prosperity of a nation. In my opinion,
nothing has gone on so well since the _unfortunate_ false move of the
Spanish marriages, and I think you will admit _que cela n'a pas
porte bonheur au Roi_. I am very anxious to explain that I was out of
spirits, and, I fear, humour, when I wrote to you last, for I _love_
this place dearly, and the quiet, simple and wild life we lead here,
particularly, in spite of the _abominable_ weather we have had; and
I _am not_ the enemy of _La Chasse_, as I expressed myself--on the
contrary, I am very keen about it, and am only annoyed at being unable
to see it all. Really, when one thinks of the _very dull life_, and
particularly the life of constant _self-denial_, which my poor, dear
Albert leads, he deserves _every_ amusement in the world, and even
about his amusements he is so accommodating that I am deeply touched
by it. He is very fond of shooting, but it is all with the greatest
moderation. Do you know that you never wished Albert joy of his
birthday?

The state of politics in Europe is very critical, and one feels _very_
anxious for the future.

With my dearest Albert's love, and mine, to my beloved Louise. Believe
me, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 10: The sensational murder in Paris of the Duchesse
de Praslin, daughter of the diplomatist, Sebastiani, by her
husband, who committed suicide. This event, as well as the
affair of the Spanish marriages, largely contributed to the
Orleanist catastrophe of 1848, for it was suspected that
the Court and the police had not merely connived at, but had
actually furnished the means for, the Duke's suicide, in order
to prevent certain exposures which would have resulted from
his trial.]

[Pageheading: PORTUGAL]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th October 1847._

The Queen has just received these drafts, which she has read
attentively, and thinks very proper; she only perceives _one_ omission
which should be rectified, viz. the one in which Lord Palmerston
directs Sir H. Seymour and the Admiral to remain perfectly neutral in
case of a conflict, and that is that our Fleet should naturally give