ay: "La Reine et ses Ministres
sont donc entierement indifferents sur le compte du Roi L.; _cela
change entierement_ la position, et nous allons faire mains basses sur
lui." From that moment their language became extremely imperious;
they spoke of nothing but acts of coercion, bombardment, etc., etc. I
firmly believe, because I have been these many years on terms of great
and sincere friendship with Palmerston, that he did not himself quite
foresee the importance which would be attached to his declaration. I
must say it hurt me more in my _English_ capacity than in my Belgian,
as I came to this country _from England_, and was chosen _for that
very reason_. Besides, I am happy to say, I was never as yet in the
position to ask for any act of kindness from you, so that whatever
little service I may have rendered you, remained on a basis of perfect
disinterestedness. That the first diplomatic step in our affairs
should seem by your Government to be directed against me, created
therefore all over the Continent a considerable sensation. I shall
never ask any favours of you, or anything that could in the least be
considered as _incompatible_ with the interests of England; but you
will comprehend that there is a great difference in claiming favours
and in being treated as an enemy....

I will conclude my overgrown letter with the assurance that you
never were in greater favour, and that I love you dearly. Believe me,
therefore, ever, my best beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 18: The day of the month is not given.]

[Footnote 19: Prussia was giving unmistakable evidence of a
disposition to support Holland against Belgium.]

[Pageheading: THE CORONATION]

_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._

MARLBORO' HOUSE, _28th June 1838._ (_At a quarter before 12 o'clock on
the Coronation Day._)

MY DEAREST NIECE,--The guns are just announcing your approach to the
Abbey, and as I am not near you, and cannot take part in the sacred
ceremony of your Coronation, I must address you in writing to assure
you that my thoughts and my whole heart are with you, and my prayers
are offered up to Heaven for your happiness, and the prosperity and
glory of your reign. May our Heavenly Father bless and preserve you,
and His Holy Ghost dwell within you to give you that peace which the
world cannot give! Accept of these my best wishes, and the blessing of
your most devoted and attached Aunt,

ADELAIDE.