Pussy now; she is (_unberufen_) the picture of health,
and has just cut her first eye-tooth, without the slightest suffering.
We are going to Brighton on the 1st of November for a month; it is the
_best_ month _there_ and the _worst here_. I think I _may_ announce
Augusta Cambridge's[93] marriage as certain, as I have just received a
note from the Duke, which is as follows:--

"Being very anxious to communicate to you as soon as possible an event
which concerns deeply my family, I take the liberty of requesting you
to let me know on what day and at what hour I may wait upon you."

I shall see him to-morrow, and report the result to Louise on Friday.

I have just taken leave of poor Esterhazy, who has presented his
letters of recall. He looked wretched, and Lord Aberdeen told me he is
only ill at being obliged to go; he is quite miserable to do so, but
the great gentleman at Johannisberg has most ungraciously refused to
listen to his entreaties to remain, which is very foolish, as they
don't know who to send in his place. I am _very_ sorry to lose him,
he is so amiable and agreeable, and I have known him ever since I can
remember anybody; he is, besides, _equally liked_ and on _equally
good terms_ with _both_ parties _here_, which was of the greatest
importance. It was touching to see him so low and ill and unlike
himself.

The accounts of poor dear Alexandrine's eyes continue _very bad_; she
cannot write at all, or go out, or do anything.

Say everything proper from us to the whole family, and pray believe
me, always, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 93: The Princess Augusta of Cambridge, who was
married to Frederic William, afterwards Grand Duke of
Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in the following June.]

[Pageheading: HISTORICAL STUDIES]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

BROCKET HALL, _20th October 1842._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
leave respectfully to acknowledge your Majesty's of the 15th inst.,
which he received here the day before yesterday.

Lord Melbourne is very glad to hear that your Majesty is reading with
the Prince. Hallam's work[94] certainly requires much consideration
and much explanation, but it is a fair, solid, impartial work, formed
upon much thought and much reading. St Simon's[95] is an excellent
work; he has some prejudices, but was a good honest man, and his
book is full of useful information. If your Majesty wis