SINESS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th April 1838._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--_Vous ne m'en voudrez pas_, I sincerely hope, for
not having written to you sooner to thank you for your kind letter,
which I received last week, but I really could not do so. As _honesty
is the best policy_, I will tell you the simple fact. I have been out
riding every day for about three hours, which quite renovates me,
and when I come home I have consequently a good deal to do, what with
seeing people, reading despatches, writing, etc. You will, I trust,
now quite forgive your poor niece, whom you so often call "the little
Queen," which is, I fear, true; but her _feelings_ of affection are
not so small as her _body_ is, I can assure you.

The Prince de Ligne[10] will be received with every possible
attention, I can promise; it would have been so _without_ his being
recommended; his rank, and, above all, his being one of your subjects,
would of course entitle him to a good reception from me....

There is another _sujet_ which I wish to mention to you, _et que j'ai
bien a c[oe]ur_, which is, if you would consult Stockmar with respect
to the finishing of Albert's education; he knows best my feelings and
wishes on that subject....

[Footnote 10: He was appointed to attend the Coronation as
Minister Extraordinary from King Leopold.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_5th April 1838._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is much
distressed that, being in the House of Lords, he was unable to answer
your Majesty's letter as soon as he received it. Lord Melbourne went
to the Palace about half-past four, but learning from the porter at
the gate that your Majesty was not returned, went away thinking that
there was not left time to see your Majesty before the House of Lords.
Lord Melbourne is very much concerned that your Majesty should have
hastened at all, and most earnestly requests your Majesty never will
do so upon his account. Lord Melbourne hears with great pleasure
that your Majesty has had a pleasant ride, and likes your horse.
Lord Melbourne is very well himself, and will wait upon your Majesty
to-morrow morning about ten minutes before ten.

[Pageheading: FAVOURITE HORSES]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th April 1838._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your kind letter of the 5th on Sunday,
and retu