izot's letter with great attention, but she cannot
help fearing that assistance and encouragement has been given in
some shape or other to the revolts which have taken place. The Queen
Christina's residence at Paris is very suspicious, and much to be
regretted; every one who saw the Queen and knew her when Regent, knew
her to be clever and _capable_ of governing, had she but attended
to her duties. This she did not, but wasted her time in frivolous
amusements and neglected her children sadly, and finally left them.
It was her _own_ doing, and therefore it is not the kindest conduct
towards her children, but the very _worst_, to try and disturb the
tranquillity of a country which was just beginning to recover from the
baneful effects of one of the most bloody civil wars imaginable.

The Queen is certain that Lord Aberdeen will feel with her of what
importance it is to England that Spain should not become subject to
French interests, as it is evident _France wishes_ to make it. The
marriage of Queen Isabel is a most important question, and the Queen
is likewise certain that Lord Aberdeen sees at once that we could
never let her marry a French Prince. Ere long the Queen must speak to
Lord Aberdeen on this subject. In the meantime the Queen thought
it might be of use to Lord Aberdeen to put him in possession of her
feelings on the state of Spain, in which the Queen has always taken a
very warm interest.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

PANSHANGER, _21st October 1841._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He received
here yesterday your Majesty's letter of the 19th inst., and he
earnestly hopes that your Majesty has arrived quite safe and well in
London. Besides the family, we have had hardly anybody here except
Lady Clanricarde.[132] Yesterday Sir Edward L. Bulwer[133] came,
beating his brother hollow in ridiculousness of attire, ridiculous as
the other is. He has, however, much in him, and is agreeable when you
come to converse with him....

Lord Melbourne is rather in doubt about his own movements. Lord
Leicester[134] presses him much to go to Holkham, where Lord
Fortescue,[135] Mr Ellice[136] and others are to be, and considering
Lord Leicester's age, Lord Melbourne thinks that it will gratify him
to see Lord Melbourne again there. But at Holkham they shoot from
morning until night, and if you do not shoot you are like a fish
upon dry land. Lord Melbourne hardly feels equal to th