of worry. Indeed I _am_ grateful for possessing (_really
without_ vanity or flattery or _blindness_) the _most perfect_ being
as a husband in existence, or who ever did exist; and I doubt whether
anybody _ever_ did love or respect another as I do my dear Angel! And
indeed Providence has ever mercifully protected us, through manifold
dangers and trials, and I feel confident will continue to do so, and
then let outward storms and trials and sorrows be sent us, and we can
bear all....

I could not help smiling at the exactitude about Monday the 19th
of June; it is a great happiness to us to think with such certainty
(_D.V._) of your kind visit, which would suit perfectly. _A propos_ of
this, I am anxious to tell you that we are full of hope of paying you
in August a little visit, which last year was in so melancholy a way
interrupted; but we think that for _many_ reasons it would be better
for us to pay you our _first_ visit only at _Ostend_, and not at
Brussels or Laeken; you could lodge us _anywhere_, and we need then
bring but very few people with us--it might also facilitate the
meeting with Albert's good old grandmother, who fears to cross the
sea, and whose great _wish_ is to behold Albert again--and would
not be so difficult (_pour la lere fois_) in many ways. I could,
nevertheless, see Bruges and Ghent from thence by help of the
railroad, and return the same day to Ostend.

What you say about Peel is very just. Good Lord Melbourne is much
better.

I hope soon to hear more about Joinville and Donna Francesca. Now,
ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

We are all very well (_unberufen_) and move, _to our horror_, to town
on Friday.

[Pageheading: COBDEN'S ATTACK ON PEEL]

_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._

WHITEHALL, _18th February (1843)._

(_Saturday morning._)

Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
leave to acquaint your Majesty that the debate was brought to a
close this morning about half-past three o'clock. The motion of Lord
Howick[14] was rejected by a large majority, the number being--

For the Motion 191
Against it 305
---
Majority 114
---

The chief speakers were Mr R. Cobden and Lord John Russell in favour
of the motion, Mr Attwood, Lord Francis Egerton, and Sir Robert Peel
against it.

In the course of the evening there was much excitement