grandchildren with heavy hearts
at seven on the morning of the 16th, for their visit, excepting the
_blank_ which clouds over everything, has been most peaceful and
satisfactory, and we have learnt to know and most highly
appreciate the great _excellence_ of dear Fritz's character; noble,
high-principled, so anxious to do what is right, and to improve
in every way, and so sweet-tempered and affectionate--so, beyond
everything, devoted to Vicky.

I thought much of poor, dear Aunt Julia on the 15th; _that loss_ was
the _signal_ for my irreparable one!

We went that afternoon (16th) to Frogmore, where we slept. The first
evening was terribly trying, and I must say quite overpowered me for a
short time; _all_ looked _like life_, and yet _she_ was not there! But
I got calmer; the very fact of being surrounded by all she liked, and
of seeing the dear pretty house inhabited again, was a satisfaction,
and the next morning was beautiful, and we went after breakfast
with wreaths up to the Mausoleum, and into the vault which is _a
plain-pied_, and so pretty--so airy--_so_ grand and simple, that,
affecting as it is, there was no anguish or bitterness of grief,
but calm repose! We placed the wreaths upon the splendid granite
sarcophagus, and at its feet, and _felt_ that _only_ the _earthly
robe_ we loved so much was there. The pure, tender, loving spirit
_which loved us_ so tenderly, is above us--loving us, praying for us,
and _free_ from _all_ suffering and woe--_yes_, that _is_ a _comfort_,
and that _first birthday_ in _another_ world must have been a _far_
brighter one than _any_ in this poor world below! I only grieve _now_
that we should be going so far away from Frogmore, as I long to go
there; only Alice and dear Augusta Bruce[31](who feels as a daughter
of hers) went with us. The morning was so beautiful, and the garden
_so_ lovely!...

The news from Austria are very sad, and make one very anxious. The
King of Sweden is full of wild notions put into his head by the
Emperor Napoleon, for whom he has the greatest admiration!...

It is high time I should end my long letter. With Albert's
affectionate love, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 31: Lady Augusta Bruce, who bad been living with the
Duchess of Kent at the time of her death, was appointed by the
Queen to be her resident Bedchamber Woman.]

[Pageheading: VISIT TO IRELAND]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

VIC