dear, dear little Victoria, as they are sure she will be very good and obedient to dear Mamma on that day, and on many, many others. They also hope that dear little Victoria will not forget them and know them again when Uncle and Aunt return. To dear little Xandrina Victoria.
[The following is the earliest letter preserved of the long series written by the Queen to King (then Prince) Leopold. The Princess was then nine years old.]
KENSINGTON PALACE, 25th November 1828.
My DEAREST UNCLE,— I wish you many happy returns of your birthday ; I very often think of you, and I hope to see you soon again, for I am very fond of you. I see my Aunt Sophia[1] often, who looks very well, and is very well. I use every day your pretty soup-basin. Is it very warm in Italy? It is so mild here, that I go out every day. Mamais tolerable well and am quite well. Your affectionate Niece, VicToria.
P.S.—I am very angry with you, Uncle, for you have never written to me once since you went, and that is a long while.
Prince Leopold[2] to the Princess Victoria. PARIS, 20th April 1829,
My DEAREST LOvE,—Though in a few days I hope to have the happiness of seeing you, still I wish to recall myself even before that time to your recollection, and to tell you how delighted I shall be to embrace my dearest little child. I have travelled far over the world and shall be able to give you some curious information about various matters.
Stockmar, who was very ill, and whom I despaired of seeing here, did arrive before yesterday,[3] and you may guess what pleasure it gave me. Now I will conclude ; aw revoir, and let me find you grown, blooming, and kind to your old and faithful Uncle, Leopold.
The Princess Hohenlohe[4] to the Princess Victoria. [May 1829.]
If I had wings and could fly like a bird, I should fly in at your window like the little robin to-day, and wish you many
