reat satisfaction
at the event, which he thinks in every way highly desirable. Lord
Melbourne has acted in this business, as he has always done towards
me, with the greatest kindness and affection.

We also think it better, and Albert quite approves of it, that
we should be married very soon after Parliament meets, about the
beginning of February; and indeed, loving Albert as I do, I cannot
wish it should be delayed. My feelings are a _little_ changed, I must
say, since last Spring, when I said I couldn't _think_ of marrying for
_three or four years_; but seeing Albert has changed all this.

Pray, dearest Uncle, forward these two letters to Uncle Ernest
(to whom I beg you will enjoin _strict_ secrecy, and explain these
details, which I have not time to do) and to faithful Stockmar.

I think you might tell Louise of it, but none of her family. I should
wish to keep the dear young gentlemen here till the end of next month.
Ernest's sincere pleasure gave me great delight. He does so adore
dearest Albert. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th October 1839._

Lord Melbourne will be ready to wait upon your Majesty at a little
before one.

Lord Melbourne reads with great satisfaction your Majesty's expression
of feeling, as your Majesty's happiness must ever be one of Lord
Melbourne's first objects and strongest interests.

[Pageheading: KING LEOPOLD'S SATISFACTION]

[Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND THE PORTE]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

WIESBADEN, _24th October 1839._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Nothing could have given me greater pleasure
than your dear letter. I had, when I saw your decision, almost the
feeling of old Zacharias[61]--"Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart
in peace"! Your choice had been for these last years my conviction of
what might and would be _best_ for your happiness; and just because I
was convinced of it, and knowing how _strangely_ fate often _deranges_
what one tries to bring about as being the best plan one could fix
upon, _the maximum of a good arrangement_, I feared that it would
_not_ happen. In your position, which may and will, perhaps, become
in future even more difficult in a political point of view, _you could
not exist_ without having a _happy_ and an _agreeable interieur_.

And I am much deceived--which I think I am not--or you will find
in Albert just the very qualities