Since I last wrote to you, I spoke to Aberdeen (whom I should be equally sorry to lose, as he is so _very fair_, and has served _us personally_, so kindly and truly), and he told me that the Emperor has _positively pledged_ himself to send a Minister to Brussels the moment those Poles are no longer employed;[21] that he is quite aware of the importance of the measure, and would be disposed to make the arrangement easy, and that he spoke very kindly of _you_ personally. Aberdeen says it is not necessary to disgrace them in any way, but only for the present _de les eloigner_. The Emperor has evidently some time ago made some strong declaration on the subject which he feels he cannot get over, and, as I said before, he will not give up what he has once pledged his word to. _Then, no one_ on earth _can_ move him. _Au fond_, it is a fine _trait_, but he carries it too far. He wrote me a _very_ kind and affectionate letter from the Hague. The Emperor has given Bertie the Grand Cross of St Andrew, which the boy was quite proud of. Our kind and good King of Saxony leaves us to-morrow, after having seen more than anybody has done almost, and having enjoyed it of all things. He is quite at home with us and the children, whom he plays with much. Alice walks quite alone, and looks too funny, as she is so _very_ fat. Now, ever your devoted Niece, VICTORIA R. [Footnote 19: The Ministry had been defeated on Mr P. Miles's motion in favour of giving an increased preference to colonial sugar, but on the 17th this vote was rescinded by a majority of twenty-two, Mr Disraeli taunting the Premier with expecting that "upon every division and at every crisis, his gang should appear, and the whip should sound."] [Footnote 20: The name given to the group comprising Disraeli, George Smythe, Lord John Manners, etc. See _Coningsby_, which was published about this time.] [Footnote 21: See _ante_, p. 15.] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ SOUTH STREET, _19th June 1844._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks your Majesty much for the letter of the 14th inst. Lord Melbourne was very glad to have the opportunity of seeing the Emperor of Russia at Chiswick. Lord Melbourne humbly believes that the opinion, which your Majesty has formed and expresses of the Emperor's character is just, and he considers it extremely fortunate that a sovereign of such weight and influence in Europe, and with whom it is probable that Great Britain will have such near and intimate relations, should also be a man upon whose honour and veracity strong reliance may be safely and securely placed. Lord Melbourne is very glad to believe that the late political movements, with which the public mind has been agitated, have subsided, and are entirely terminated by the last vote of the House of Commons, and by the determination evinced to support the Administration.[22]