t so
much from any particular despatch that she has formed this opinion of
Sir Edward Disbrowe, but more from the general tenor of his conduct
and despatches; therefore she thinks it would be difficult to censure
him, which would probably not have the desired effect.[56] For this
reason the Queen would prefer his being removed without his being told
that it was for his conduct, and without his being able to find this
out, which, the Queen concludes from Lord Aberdeen's letter, could
easily be done.

[Footnote 56: _See_ p. 409. Lord Aberdeen had suggested
sending Sir Edward Disbrowe a private admonition.]
(Ch. XI, 16th July, 1842)

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _2nd August 1842._

DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter of
the 29th, late on Sunday evening. You know _all_ we have felt, and
do _feel_, for the dear and exemplary French family. Really it is too
dreadful, but God's will be done! Perhaps poor Chartres is saved great
sorrow and grief. _Him_ we must _not_ pity!

God grant all may go off well on these dreadful days, and may He
support the dear afflicted parents, widow, and brothers and sisters!
My dearest Louise! I hope and trust that her dear children will occupy
her and divert her attention; only don't let her swallow and suppress
her grief and keep it to herself; that is dreadful, and very hurtful.
Let her give way to her sorrow, and talk of it to her.

Pray, dearest Uncle, will not and ought not Paris to be Duke of
Orleans now? Helene is sole guardian, is she not?...

Dear Louise will, I trust, excuse my not answering her kind letter
to-day; pray give her my best love, and believe me, always, your most
devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: THE FATHERLESS CHILDREN]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _5th August 1842._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... Little Paris,[57] who has gained much of
late, will keep the name of Paris, at least for the present. Helene
will be, after the poor King's demise, sole guardian of her children;
till then the King as head of the family will be supreme in all
matters relating to the children.... Your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 57: The late Comte de Paris, who bore this title to
the end of his life, father of the present Duc d'Orleans.]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _5th August 1842._

MY BELOVED VICTOR