XV. THE QUEEN AND THE CHILDREN, 319 XVI. THE CLOSING YEARS, 338 ILLUSTRATIONS Her Majesty the Queen in her state robes. (_From painting by Alfred E. Chalon, R.A., 1838_) _Frontispiece_ _Facing page_ Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria (_From painting by Sir W. Beechey, R.A._) 16 The Princess Victoria at the age of eleven 46 The coronation of Queen Victoria. (_From painting by Sir George Hayter_) 110 Albert, Prince Consort, in the uniform of a field marshal 136 The Queen in 1845. (_From a painting by John Partridge_) 158 Queen Victoria; Prince Albert; Victoria, Princess Royal; Albert Edward, Prince of Wales; Prince Alfred; Princess Alice; Princess Helena. (_From a painting by F. Winterhalter, 1848_) 188 Westminster Abbey 216 Balmoral Castle 244 Houses of Parliament 274 Windsor Castle 302 Her Majesty, Queen Victoria. (_From a photograph by A .Bassano_) 338 In the Days of Queen Victoria CHAPTER I BABY DRINA "Elizabeth would be a good name for her," said the Duke of Kent. "Elizabeth was the greatest woman who ever sat on the throne of England. The English people are used to the name, and they like it." "But would the Emperor Alexander be pleased?" asked the Duchess. "If he is to be godfather, ought she not to be named for him?" "Alexandra--no; Alexandrina," said the Duke thoughtfully. "Perhaps you are right. 'Queen Alexandrina' has a good sound, and the day may come when the sovereign of England will be as glad of the friendship of the Emperor of Russia as the Regent is to-day." "Are you so sure, Edward, that she will be a sovereign?" asked his wife with a smile. "Doesn't she look like a queen?" demanded the Duke. "Look at her golden hair and her blue eyes! There, see how she put her hand out, just as if she was giving a command! I don't believe any baby a week old ever did that before. The next time I review the troops she shall go with me. You're a soldier's daughter, little one. Come and see the world that you are to conquer." He lifted the tiny baby, much to the displeasure of the nurse, and carried her across the room to the window that looked out upon Kensington Garden. "Now, little one," he whispered into the baby's ear, "they don't believe us and we won't talk about it, but you'll be queen some day." "Is that the way every father behaves with his first baby?" asked the Duchess.