DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, forgive my writing but a few lines as I am all alone in the agitation of the dear King's arrival, and I will leave my letter open to announce it to you. My _dearest_ master is gone to Portsmouth to receive him. The excitement and curiosity to see the dear King, and the desire to give him a most hearty reception, is _very great indeed_. Many thanks for your kind letters of the 28th and 4th. I can't think who could have said that Peel, etc., would _not_ have been here; for he, Aberdeen, and the old Duke are to be here the whole time, and all the other Ministers will come _during_ his stay. I am very glad Joinville is arrived, and avoided his _entrees triomphales_. I hope he will take great care of himself. You will have heard from dear Louise of our voyage, etc. I cannot reconcile myself to be _here_ again, and pine for my _dear_ Highlands, the hills, the pure air, the quiet, the retirement, the liberty--_all_--more than is right. The children are well. I am sorry to hear that you are not quite so yet. 3.30.--The King and Montpensier arrived quite safely at two, and are both looking extremely well. We have just lunched with them. It seems like a dream to me, and a very pleasant one. Albert sends his affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece, VICTORIA R. Bertie has immediately taken a passion for Montpensier. _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ BROCKET HALL, _9th October 1844._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks your Majesty much for the letter of the 7th inst., which he has just received, and with very great satisfaction, as he had begun to think your Majesty's silence rather long. But he perfectly understands the reasons which prevented your Majesty from writing during your stay in the Highlands. Lord Melbourne is very glad to find that your Majesty enjoyed that country so much, and is so enthusiastically fond of it. Lord Melbourne believes that he was at the places which your Majesty mentions. In the year 1802 he stayed some months in Perthshire with the late Lord Kinnaird, and enjoyed it much. It annoys him sometimes to think how altered he is in strength since that time. Lord Melbourne has never yet thanked your Majesty for the pretty etchings of poor Islay and Eos, which your Majesty sent to Lord Melbourne when he was last at Windsor. Lord Melbourne has ordered them both to be framed, and will hang them up in his room here. They will afford Lord Melbourne most agreeable and pleasing souvenirs of the happiest period of his life, for he cannot say otherwise than that he continually misses and regrets the time when he had daily confidential communication with your Majesty. Lord Glenlyon[30] has one merit in Lord Melbourne's eyes, which is that he was a steady and firm supporter to the last of Lord Melbourne's Government. Lord Melbourne hopes and trusts that he feels no animosity against those who opposed him.