The young men are very amiable, delightful companions, and I am very happy to have them here; they are playing some Symphonies of Haydn _under_ me at this very moment; they are passionately fond of music.
In the way of news I have got nothing to tell you to-day.

Everything is quiet here, and we have no particular news from abroad.

In Spain the Fueros[60] seem to give sad difficulty to the Cortes.
Ever, my dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece, VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 59: Ulick John, first Marquis of Clanricarde (1802-1874), Ambassador at St Petersburg, afterwards Lord Privy Seal.] [Footnote 60: Certain rights and privileges of the Basques.] [Pageheading: A MOMENTOUS DECISION] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _15th October 1839._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--This letter will, I am sure, give you pleasure, for you have always shown and taken so warm an interest in all that concerns me.

My mind is quite made up--and I told Albert this morning of it; the warm affection he showed me on learning this gave me _great_ pleasure.

He seems _perfection_, and I think that I have the prospect of very great happiness before me.