I regret to learn you are still not easy about your own affairs, but trust all will now be speedily adjusted.

You always allow me, dear Uncle, to speak frankly to you; you will, therefore, I hope, not be displeased if I venture to make a few observations on one or two parts of your letter.
You say that the anger of the Belgians is principally directed against England.[24] Now, I must say you are very unjust towards us, and (if I could) I might be even a little angry with you, dear Uncle.

We only _pressed_ Belgium for her _own_ good, and _not_ for ours.

It may seem hard at first, but the time will come when you will see that we were right in urging you not to delay any longer the signature of the treaty.
I think that you will see in this frank expression of my sentiments no wish to annoy or hurt you, but only an anxious desire to prove to you that England is Belgium's sincere friend, and that my Government are ever desirous of doing what is in their power for the welfare, security, and prosperity of yourself and your kingdom.
I regret much the state of affairs in France,[25] which cannot but make us all somewhat anxious; you will, I hope tell me what news you hear from Paris.
Pray, dearest Uncle, receive my best, my very warmest, wishes for many happy returns of dear Leopold's birthday, and also, though somewhat late, for Philippe's birthday.
Give my love to my dear Aunt, and believe me, always, your most devoted Niece, VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 24: He had written on 5th April:--"The feeling is strongest against England, in which the people expected to see a support, and only found a strong determination to decide _everything against them_ and at _their expense_.

If there was a great explosion in France, it would not be astonishing to see the people here join it; it would rather be astonishing to see it otherwise, after the kind treatment they received from the Powers."] [Footnote 25: The King was for a time without any Ministry, and the meeting of the Chambers had to be postponed.] [Pageheading: PRINCE ALBERT IN ITALY] _Baron Stockmar to Queen Victoria._ NAPLES, _16th April 1839._ MADAM,--As it is some time that I had the honour to address your Majesty, I hope that a further account of our crusades will meet with a favourable reception.
It is now somewhat better than a month that we left Florence, I may say with regret, for we were there very comfortably in every respect.
On our route to Rome we enjoyed the beautiful sight of the cataract at Terni, the place where Queen Caroline sojourned for some time.