your
attention more and more to graver matters. By the dispensation of
Providence you are destined to fill a most eminent station; to fill
it _well_ must now become your study. A good heart and a trusty and
honourable character are amongst the most indispensable qualifications
for that position.

You will always find in your Uncle that faithful friend which he
has proved to you from your earliest infancy, and whenever you feel
yourself in want of support or advice, call on him with perfect
confidence.

If circumstances permitted my leaving Ostend early to-morrow morning,
I should be able to place myself my birthday present into your fair
hair; as this happiness has not fallen to my lot, your excellent
mother has promised to act as my representative.

You will probably have little time to spare. I therefore conclude with
the assurance of the sincere attachment and affection with which I
shall ever be, my dearest Love, your faithful and devoted Friend and
Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF THE BELGIANS]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN,[10] _31st August 1832._

MY DEAREST LOVE,--You told me you wished to have a description of your
new Aunt.[11] I therefore shall both mentally and physically describe
her to you.

She is extremely gentle and amiable, her actions are always guided by
principles. She is at all times ready and disposed to sacrifice her
comfort and inclinations to see others happy. She values goodness,
merit, and virtue much more than beauty, riches, and amusements. With
all this she is highly informed and very clever; she speaks and writes
English, German and Italian; she speaks English very well indeed.
In short, my dear Love, you see that I may well recommend her as an
example for all young ladies, being Princesses or not.

Now to her appearance. She is about Feodore's height, her hair
very fair, light blue eyes, of a very gentle, intelligent and kind
expression. A Bourbon nose and small mouth. The figure is much like
Feodore's but rather less stout. She rides very well, which she proved
to my great alarm the other day, by keeping her seat though a horse of
mine ran away with her full speed for at least half a mile. What she
does particularly well is dancing. Music unfortunately she is not
very fond of, though she plays on the harp; I believe there is some
idleness in the case. There exists already great confidence and
affection between us; she