guine of the party anticipated.--_See_ Introductory
Note, _ante_, p. 253. (Intro Note to Ch. X)]

[Pageheading: VISIT TO WOBURN]

_Memorandum by Mr Anson._

WOBURN ABBEY, _27th July 1841._

Arrived here last night with the Prince and the Queen; this is now
the second expedition (Nuneham being the first) which Her Majesty has
taken, and on neither occasion has the Baroness accompanied us.

The Prince went yesterday through a review of the many steps he had
made to his present position--all within eighteen months from the
marriage. Those who intended to keep him from being useful to
the Queen, from the fear that he might ambitiously touch upon her
prerogatives, have been completely foiled; they thought they had
prevented Her Majesty from yielding anything of importance to him by
creating distrust through imaginary alarm. The Queen's good sense,
however, has seen that the Prince has no other object in all he seeks
but a means to Her Majesty's good. The Court from highest to lowest is
brought to a proper sense of the position of the Queen's husband.
The country has marked its confidence in his character by passing the
Regency Bill _nem. con._ The Queen finds the value of an active right
hand and able head to support her and to resort to for advice in time
of need. Cabinet Ministers treat him with deference and respect. Arts
and science look up to him as their especial patron, and they find
this encouragement supported by a full knowledge of the details of
every subject. The good and the wise look up to him with pride and
gratitude as giving an example, so rarely shown in such a station, of
leading a virtuous and religious life.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd August 1841._

... Our little tour was most successful, and we enjoyed it of all
things; nothing could be more enthusiastic or affectionate than our
reception _everywhere_, and I am happy to hear that our presence has
left a favourable impression, which I think will be of great use.
The loyalty in this country is certainly _very striking_. We enjoyed
Panshanger[60] still more than Woburn; the country is quite beautiful,
and the house so pretty and _wohnlich_; the picture-gallery and
pictures very splendid. The Cowpers are such good people too. The
visit to Brocket naturally interested us very much for our excellent
Lord Melbourne's sake. The park and grounds are beautiful.

I can't admit the Duke of Bedf