All depends on how he takes it, if he will wish to forget his grief by occupying himself with political strife or if his greater sensibility will make him wish to indulge it in solitude....
[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th November 1838._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I was certain you _would_ take interest in and feel for poor Lord John; he is, I hear, still dreadfully shaken, and quite unequal to do any business at present.

His chief consolation is in attending to the children.
I felt much for you, and still more for poor dear Aunt Louise, when the sad separation from poor Marie[31] took place; it is so melancholy to see a dear relation depart who is _so ill_.
I have this morning heard from Ferdinand that the good Queen is at last confined, after keeping us for _two months_ and _more dans l'attente_ of the event.

It took place on the 3rd, and Ferdinand writes such a funny letter, saying, "nous sommes tous bien heureux surtout moi qui craignais que ce ne fut une petite fille ce qui m'eut ete un peu desagreable, car en fait d'enfants j'aime mieux les petits garcons, parce qu'ils sont plus gais et plus tapageurs."[32] Isn't this very good?
I believe the King of the French is to be godfather....
[Footnote 31: See _post_, p.144.

(Ch.

VIII, 11th January, 1839)] [Footnote 32: The Prince received the title of Duke of Oporto.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _20th November 1838._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and transmits a copy of Mr.Macaulay's letter.[33]...
Lord Melbourne fears, from what he hears of the language of Lord Howick and Mr.Monson, that much difficulty will be found in making arrangements and deciding upon questions.