rds. He
spoke in praise of Lord Beauvale.[63] The Prince is better, but grown
very old and looking tired. It gave me great pleasure to see him
again.

I drink the waters now four days, and can therefore not yet judge of
their good or bad effects. My palpitations are rather increased here;
if my stupid heart will get diseased I shall soon be departing for
some other world. I would it could be soon then.

Till further orders I shall say nothing to your Mother, Charles, or
Feodore.

Now I will conclude with my best blessings, and remain, my dearest and
most beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 61: An obvious slip for Simeon.]

[Footnote 62: _See_ Introductory Notes for 1839 and 1840.
(to Ch. VIII and Ch. IX)]

[Footnote 63: Frederick Lamb, younger brother of Lord
Melbourne, Ambassador Extraordinary at Vienna, who had
recently been made a Peer.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S HAPPINESS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1839._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your most kind and most welcome letter of the 24th
arrived yesterday, and gave me very, very great pleasure. I was sure
you would be satisfied and pleased with our proceedings.

Before I proceed further, I wish just to mention one or two
alterations in the plan of announcing the event.

As Parliament has _nothing_ whatever to say respecting the marriage,
can neither approve nor disapprove it (I mean in a manner which might
_affect_ it), it is now proposed that, as soon as the cousins are gone
(which they now intend to do on the 12th or 14th of November, as time
presses), I should assemble all the Privy Councillors and announce to
them my intention....

Oh! dear Uncle, I _do_ feel so happy! I do so adore Albert! he is
quite an angel, and so very, very kind to me, and seems so fond of me,
which touches me much. I trust and hope I shall be able to make him
as happy as he _ought_ to be! I cannot bear to part from him, for we
spend such happy, delightful hours together.

Poor Ernest has been suffering since Wednesday last with the jaundice,
which is very distressing and troublesome, though not alarming.... I
love him dearly too, and look upon him quite as a brother.

What you say about Lord Melbourne has given me great pleasure; it is
very just and very true. There are not many _such_ honest kind friends
to be found in this world. He desires me to say that he is deeply