Ever your devoted Niece, VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 57: A picturesque castle, about eight miles from Gotha.] [Pageheading: A CHARM AGAINST EVIL] _Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th October 1839._ The Queen sends the little _charm_ which she hopes may keep Lord Melbourne from _all evil_, and which it will make her very happy if he will put [?
it with] his keys.

If the ring is too small Lord Melbourne must send it back to her, and she will have it altered.
The Queen has made up her mind at length to ask Lady Clanricarde, as Lord Melbourne wishes it so much.

Shall Surrey invite her, or Lord Palmerston?
and from Thursday to Friday?
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th October 1839._ MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have to thank you for three kind letters of the 1st, 4th, and 5th, the last which I received yesterday.

I received another letter from Alex.

M.yesterday, _since Ernest's arrival_, and he says that they have determined on setting off, so as to embark at Antwerp on the 9th and be here after all on the 10th! I suppose you will have also heard.