and with these few days I suffered a little, but I
am better to-day. Louise is tolerably well; the poor children are
attentive and amiable. Poor things! _their existence_ is a good deal
on the cards, and fortunes, private and public, are in equal danger.

Now I will leave you that you should not be tired. Ever, my beloved
child, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: THE CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th April 1848._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for three most kind letters, of
the 18th and 25th March, and of the 1st. Thank God, I am _particularly
strong_ and _well_ in _every possible respect_, which is a blessing in
these _awful, sad, heart-breaking_ times. From the first I heard all
that passed, and my only thoughts and talk were--Politics; but I never
was calmer and quieter or less nervous. _Great_ events make me quiet
and calm, and little trifles fidget me and irritate my nerves. But
_I feel_ grown old and serious, and the future is very dark. God,
however, will come to help and protect us, and we must keep up our
spirits. _Germany_ makes me so sad; on the other hand, Belgium is a
real pride and happiness.

We saw your poor father and mother-in-law with the Nemours, Joinville,
and Aumale yesterday. Still a dream to see them _thus, here!_They
are well in health, and the young people's conduct most praiseworthy;
really the three Princesses are astonishing, and a beautiful lesson to
every one. They are so much admired and respected for it. My beloved
Vic, with her lovely face, is perfection, and so cheerful. She often
comes to see me, and this is a great pleasure to me, if only it was
not caused by such misfortunes!

Now good-bye. With fervent prayers for the continuation of your
present most flourishing position, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Lord John Russell to the Prince Albert._

CHESHAM PLACE, _9th April 1848._

SIR,--The Cabinet have had the assistance of the Duke of Wellington in
framing their plans for to-morrow.

Colonel Rowan[11] advised that the procession should be formed, and
allowed to come as far as the bridge they may choose to pass, and
should there be stopped. He thinks this is the only way to avoid a
fight. If, however, the Chartists fire and draw their swords and use
their daggers, the Military are to be called out.

I have no doubt of their easy triumph over a London mob.

B