sion of Parliament, which is always a relief
to all parties. Some great measures have been passed. Lord Melbourne
wishes your Majesty health and happiness, and begs to be respectfully
remembered to the Prince.

[Footnote 57: To Lord Dalmeny. _En secondes noces_, she
married the fourth Duke of Cleveland.]

[Footnote 58: Lady Evelyn Leveson Gower, married, on 4th
October, to Charles, Lord Blantyre.]

[Pageheading: VISIT TO THE CHATEAU D'EU]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

CHATEAU D'EU, _4th September 1843._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I write to you from this dear place, where we are
in the midst of this admirable and truly amiable family, and where we
feel quite at home, and as if we were one of them. Our reception by
the dear King and Queen has been most kind, and by the people really
gratifying.[59] Everything is very different to England, particularly
the population. Louise has told you all about our doings, and
therefore tell you nothing but that I am highly interested and amused.
Little Chica (Mdme. Hadjy)[60] is a charming, sprightly, lively
creature, with immense brown eyes. We leave this the day after
to-morrow for Brighton, where the children are, who are extremely
well, I hear. Many thanks, dearest Uncle, for your kind letter of the
29th, by which I see that poor Prince Loewenstein[61] came to see you;
he is Mamma's old friend. As I am in a great hurry, and as I hope, God
willing, to see you very soon, I must conclude in haste, and leave all
my remarks for another day. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

Pray forgive this confused and horrid scrawl.

[Footnote 59: The Queen was enthusiastically received at
Treport. On the 2nd there was a great entertainment in
the banqueting-room of the Chateau, and on the 4th a _fete
champetre_ on the Mont d'Orleans in the forest. On the 5th
there was a review, and on the 7th the Queen returned to
England.]

[Footnote 60: The Princess of Joinville. See _ante_, p. 451.
(Ch. XII, 10th January, 1843).
Hadjy is the Prince of Joinville.]

[Footnote 61: Prince William of Loewenstein (1783-1847).]

[Pageheading: THE FRENCH VISIT]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

MELBOURNE, _6th September 1843._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for your letter of the 27th ult., which he received
here some days ago. We have been quite dis