CHAPTER X.
1841 _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ _5th January 1841._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for two very kind letters, of the 26th December and 1st January, and for all your very kind and good wishes.

I am sorry to hear you have all been plagued with colds; we have as yet escaped them, and I trust will continue to do so.

I think, dearest Uncle, you cannot _really_ wish me to be the "Mamma d'une _nombreuse_ famille," for I think you will see with me the great inconvenience a _large_ family would be to us all, and particularly to the country, independent of the hardship and inconvenience to myself; men never think, at least seldom think, what a hard task it is for us women to go through this _very often_.

God's will be done, and if He decrees that we are to have a great number of children, why we must try to bring them up as useful and exemplary members of society.

Our young lady flourishes exceedingly, and I hope the Van de Weyers (who have been here for three days), who have seen her twice, will give you a favourable description of her.