and dispositions which are
indispensable for your happiness, and _which will suit your own
character, temper, and mode of life_. You say most amiably that you
consider it a sacrifice on the part of Albert. This is true in many
points, because his position will be a difficult one; but much, I may
say _all_, will depend on your affection for him. If _you love him,
and are kind to him_, he will easily bear the burthen of the position;
and there is a steadiness and at the same time cheerfulness in his
character which will facilitate this. I think your plans excellent.
If Parliament had been called at an unusual time it would make them
uncomfortable, and if, therefore, they receive the communication at
the opening of the Session, it will be best. The marriage, as you say,
might then follow as closely as possible.

Lord Melbourne has shown himself the _amiable_ and _excellent_ man I
always took him for. Another man in his position, instead of _your_
happiness, might have merely looked to his own personal views and
imaginary interests. Not so our good friend; he saw what was best _for
you_, and I feel it deeply to his praise.

Your keeping the cousins next month with you strikes me as a very good
plan. It will even show that you had sufficient opportunity of judging
of Albert's character....

On the 22nd, Prince Metternich came to see me. He was very kind, and
talked most confidentially about political affairs, particularly the
Oriental concerns.[62] M. de Brunnow had been with him. The short of
his views is this: he wishes that the Powers could be _unanimous_,
as he sees in this the best chance of avoiding measures of violence
against the Pasha of Egypt, which he considers _dangerous_, either as
_not_ sufficiently effective, or of a nature to bring on complications
most earnestly to be avoided, such as making use of Russian troops.
Austria naturally would like to bring about the best possible
arrangement for the Porte, but it will adhere to any arrangement or
proposition which can be agreed upon by England and France. He is,
however, positive that Candia must be given back to the Porte, its
position being too threatening, and therefore constantly alarming the
Porte. He made me write the import of our conversation to King Louis
Philippe, which I did send after him to Frankfort, where he was to
forward it to Paris. Perhaps you will have the goodness to communicate
this political scrap to good Lord Melbourne with my best rega