Middletown transcript., 1869-12-04

(for such in my opinion it is) as small as l
can. He seems to have great tact. very
necessary thing in his position These
last few days have passed like dream to
me, and am so much bewildered BY it all
that know hardly how to write; but l do
feel very happy. 1t is absolutely necessa-
~ that this determination Of mine should
be known to no one but yourself and to
Uncle Ernest until after the meeting Of
Parliament. as 1t would be considered, 9th
erwise. neglectful ou my part not to have
assembled Parliament at once to inform
them of it.
Lord Melbourne, whom I have of
course consulted about the whole affair,
quite approves my choice. and expresses
great satisfaction at this event, which he
thinks in every way highly desirable.
Lord Melbourne has acted In this bus
iness. as he has always done toward me.
with the greatest kindness and affection.
We also think it better, and Albert quite
approves of il, that we should be married
very soon after Parliament meets, about
the beginning of February.
Pray, dearest uncle, forward these two
letters to Uncle Ernest, to whom beg YOU
will enjoin strict secrecy, and explain these
details. which have not to do, and to
faithful Stockmar. think you might tell
Louise of it, but none of her family.
II wish to keep the dear young gentle
man here till the end Of next month. Err
nests sincere pleasure gives me great de-
light He does SO adore dearest Albert.
"Ever, dearest uncle, your devoted
niece, V.R."
While this was passing at Windsor, the
King of the Beleians was writing on the
same day from Lacken: .-.'-
"Oct. ls, 1889.
"MY DEAREST VIoroRrA, was great
ly pleased and interested by your dear let
ter Of the 11th, which reached me yester-
day evening. The poor cousins had
all sorts of difficulties TO encounter" (dur-
ing the journey to England). "It was.
however, good omen that once. when
they were in danger on the Scheldt, the
Princess Victoria came from Antwerp to
their assistance. To appear in their trav-
eiiing dress was hard case, and am sure
they were greatly embarrassed.
81 am sure you will like them the more
the longer you see them. They arc Young
men of merit, and without that puppy-like
affectation which is so often found with
young gentlemen of rank and, though
remarkably well informed, they are very
free from pedantry. ...
ALBERT is very agreeable companion.
His manners are SO gentle and harmonious
that one likes to have him near ones self.
| always found him so when I had him
with me, and / think his travels have still
improved him. He is full of talent and
fun, and draws cleverly. lam glad to hear
that they please the people who see them.
They deserve it, and we're rather nervous
about it. | trust they will enliven your
sejonr in the old castle, and may Albert
be able 70 strew roses without thorns on the
pathway of life of our good Victoria. He
is well qualified to do so.
MY dearest Victoria, your devoted un-
Gle, LEoPoLD r."
Ten days later the king writes from
Wiesbaden, in answer to the Queens letter
of the 10th:
"0ctober, "a, 1889.
My DEAREST VIcroRIA,-Nothing
could have given me greater pleasure than
your dear letter. | had, when l learnt
your decision, almost the feeling of old ST.
meoni Nov lettest thon thy servant de-
part in peace Your choice has been
for these last years my conviction of what
might and would be best for your happi-
ness; and just because was convinced of
it. and knew how strangely fate often
changes what one tries 70 bring about as
being the best plan one could liz Hpon-
the maximum of q good arrapgemept-Il |
feared that it would not happen.
/" In your position, which may and will |
perhaps become in future even more diff |
ticult in a political point of view, you
could not EXIST without having happy |
and agreeable intcrieur.' And 1 am
much deceived which think / am not |
or you will find in Albert just the quail
ties and disposition which are indispensa- |
bic for your happiness, and which will suit |
your Own character. temper. and mode of
life. ltl -H
You say most amiably that you con-
slider it a. sacrifice on the paFt Of Albert.
This is trne in many points, because his
position will be q difficult one, but much,
may say all, will depend on your af-
fection for him. If you Iope him, and |
are kind to him, he will easily bear the
bothers of his position, and there is a
steadiness. and, at the same time. cheer
fulness in his character which will faeili-
tate this. ssa 49,. 4, = s..-,
II think your plans excellent. If
Parliament had been called at an unusual
time, it would make them uncomfortable n
and il, therefore, they receive the COM
municatiou at the opening of the session,
it viii be best. The marriage, as you
say, might then follow as closely as pos
sible. hsfesa s g- LEoPoLD r."
On the Goth of October the Queen
again writes to the king to inform him
that the intention Of communicating the