Let me now join my humble entreaties to Albert's, relative to the request about dearest Louise, which he has made. It is a sacrifice I ask, but if you _knew_ the sacrifice I make in letting and urging Albert _to go_, I am sure, if you _can_ you _will_ grant it. I have _never_ been separated from him even for _one night_, and the _thought of such_ a separation is quite dreadful; still, I feel I _could_ bear it,--I have made up my mind to it, as the very _thought_ of going has been a comfort to my poor Angel, and will be of such use at Coburg. Still, if I were to remain _quite_ alone I do not think I _could_ bear it quietly. Therefore _pray_ do send me my dearly beloved Louise; she would be _such_ a comfort to me; if you could come too--or afterwards (as you promised us a longer visit), that would be still more delightful. I may be indiscreet, but you must think of _what_ the separation from my _all and all_, even only for a _fortnight_, will be to me! We feel some _years_ older since these days of mourning. Mamma is calm, but poor Aunt Julia[7] is indeed much to be pitied. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted and unhappy Niece and Child, VICTORIA R. [Footnote 6: The Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha died on 29th January.] [Footnote 7: The Grand Duchess Constantine of Russia, sister of the Duchess of Kent and of the deceased Duke of Saxe-Coburg.] [Pageheading: BEREAVEMENT] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th February 1844._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your dear, kind but sad letter of the 8th on Sunday, and thank you much for it. God knows, poor dear Uncle, you have suffered _enough_ in your life, but you should think, dearest Uncle, of _that blessed_ assurance of _eternity_ where we shall _all meet again never_ to part; you should think (as we constantly do now) that those whom we have lost are far happier than we are, and _love us_ still, and in a far more perfect way than _we can_ do in this world! When the first moments and days of overwhelming grief are over these reflections are the greatest balm, the greatest consolation to the bleeding heart. I hope you will kindly let me have a few lines of _hope_ by the Tuesday's messenger. Ever your truly devoted Niece and Child, VICTORIA R. _P.S._--O'Connell's being pronounced guilty is a great triumph.[8] [Footnote 8: He had been indicted with Charles Gavan Duffy and others for seditious conspiracy.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ SOUTH STREET, _3rd April 1844._