Ever your affectionate, VICTORIA R.
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._ BRUSSELS, _21st February 1840._ MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am more grateful than I can express that, notwithstanding your many _empechements_ and occupations, you still found a little moment to write to me.

News from you are always most precious to me, and now almost more than ever.

This is such an important moment in your life, it will so much decide how the remainder is to be, that I am deeply interested in all I can hear on the subject.

Hitherto, with the exception of your own dear and Royal self, I have not been spoiled, _et j'ai puise beaucoup de mes nouvelles_ in the _Times_ and such like sources.
God be praised that the dear _menage_ is so happy! I can only say may it be so for ever and ever.

I always thought that with your warm and feeling heart and susceptibility for strong and lasting affection, you would prefer this _genre_ of happiness, if you once possessed it, to every other.