My feelings are a _little_ changed, I must say, since last Spring, when I said I couldn't _think_ of marrying for _three or four years_; but seeing Albert has changed all this.
Pray, dearest Uncle, forward these two letters to Uncle Ernest (to whom I beg you will enjoin _strict_ secrecy, and explain these details, which I have not time to do) and to faithful Stockmar.
I think you might tell Louise of it, but none of her family.

I should wish to keep the dear young gentlemen here till the end of next month.
Ernest's sincere pleasure gave me great delight.

He does so adore dearest Albert.

Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece, VICTORIA R.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th October 1839._ Lord Melbourne will be ready to wait upon your Majesty at a little before one.
Lord Melbourne reads with great satisfaction your Majesty's expression of feeling, as your Majesty's happiness must ever be one of Lord Melbourne's first objects and strongest interests.
[Pageheading: KING LEOPOLD'S SATISFACTION] [Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND THE PORTE] _The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._ WIESBADEN, _24th October 1839._ MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Nothing could have given me greater pleasure than your dear letter.

I had, when I saw your decision, almost the feeling of old Zacharias[61]--"Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace"! Your choice had been for these last years my conviction of what might and would be _best_ for your happiness; and just because I was convinced of it, and knowing how _strangely_ fate often _deranges_ what one tries to bring about as being the best plan one could fix upon, _the maximum of a good arrangement_, I feared that it would _not_ happen.