to say in answer to it that she will, of course, be ready to
do what may appear best for the public interest. We shall, therefore,
be ready to receive the Emperor, with or without the Empress, here at
Osborne in the quiet way which he proposes. The present moment would,
however, hardly do, Drawing-rooms and parties being announced in
London, Parliament sitting, and the Season going on and the Queen
having only a few days from the Grand Duke's visit to her return
to Town. The latter half of July, the time at which the Queen would
naturally be here and the best yachting season, might appear to the
Emperor the most eligible, as being the least _force_.

Till then a cottage which is rebuilding will, we hope, be ready to
accommodate some of the suite, whom we could otherwise not properly
house.

I have no doubt that good will arise from a renewed intercourse
with the Emperor; the only thing one may perhaps be afraid of is the
possibility of his wishing to gain us over to his views with regard to
a redistribution of Europe, and may be disappointed at our not being
able to assent to his plans and aspirations.

ALBERT.[17]

[Footnote 17: See _post_, 4th August, 1857, note 30.]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _16th June 1857_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--The christening of little Beatrice[18] is just
over--and was very brilliant and nice. We had the luncheon in the fine
ball-room, which looked very handsome. The Archduke Maximilian (who is
here since Sunday evening) led me to the chapel, and at the luncheon I
sat between him and Fritz. I cannot say how much we like the Archduke;
he is charming, so clever, natural, kind and amiable, so _English_ in
his feelings and likings, and so anxious for the best understanding
between Austria and England. With the exception of his mouth and chin,
he is good-looking; and I think one does not the least care for that,
as he is so very kind and clever and pleasant. I wish you really joy,
dearest Uncle, at having got _such_ a husband for dear Charlotte, as
I am sure he will make her happy, and is quite worthy of her. He may,
and will do a great deal for Italy.[19]...

I must conclude for to-day, hoping soon to hear from you again. Ever
your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 18: Princess Beatrice (now Princess Henry of
Battenberg) was born on the 14th of April.]

[Footnote 19: The tragic end of a union which promised so
brig