most kind of you to have written so soon after our departure, and
such an affectionate, good, kind letter. The tears came to my eyes
as I read it, and I felt quite moved. Short as has been our stay,
and great, as always, the pain of leaving you, it has been a _great
happiness_ for me to see you again, a happiness for which I shall
always thank God, you, and your dear Uncle. I need not add how _very
precious_ is your affection to me, and how _very grateful_ I am for
every new proof of it. You know my feelings on this point, and
you know they are better _felt_ than _expressed_. Your calling me
_Louise_, and in such a kind way, gave me great pleasure. Almost all
those dear to me call me so, and I think it looks more affectionate;
I would fain say now _sister-like_, although I am rather an old sister
for you now....

Leopold is half crazy with the steam-engine, and particularly with
the _tools_ which you sent him. I enclose here the expression of his
gratitude. I wrote exactly what he told me to write, and I did not add
a word. He has found again his kie (key), and he wears it suspended
to his neck by a blue riband, with the Duchess's little seal. He felt
deeply the attention you had to have an _L_ engraved on each tool, and
after his letter was closed he charged me to thank you for it, and
to tell you that it gave him great pleasure. An _iron spade_ was the
greatest object of his ambition, and he worked so hard yesterday with
it, that I feared he would hurt himself with the exertion. He will go
to-day to the races with us, in the Scotch dress which the Duchess had
the kindness to send him. It fits very well, and he is very proud of
having a coat shaped _like that of a man_....

[Pageheading: IRELAND AND O'CONNELL]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_25th October 1838._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty....

Mr Stanley of the Treasury[26] arrived in London yesterday, and
acquaints me that Lord Normanby makes no secret of his willingness,
and indeed his desire, to undertake the government of Canada. It
would have been better if Lord Normanby had acquainted Lord Melbourne
quietly of this, and not made it at once public to all the world. It
is not necessary to do anything at present. If Lord Durham remains,
which Lord Melbourne does not, however, think likely, there will be
no successor to be appointed, and if he returns, the authority of
Governor of Lower Canada will devolve upon S