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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
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