In France the most important events were the Bill for fortifying Paris, the campaign waged against Abd-el-Kader in Algeria, and a horrible act of cruelty perpetrated there. In Spain Don Carlos abdicated his claims to the throne in favour of his son; the Queen's engagement to Count Trapani was rumoured. In other parts of Europe little that was eventful occurred. CHAPTER XIV 1845 _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th January 1845._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--What you say about Aquila[1] and Montpensier interests me. What madness is it then to force Trapani on Spain! Pray explain to me the cause of the King's obstinacy about that Spanish marriage, for _no_ country has a right to dictate in that way to another. If Tatane[2] was _to think_ of the Infanta, England would be extremely indignant, and would (and with right) consider it tantamount to a marriage with the Queen herself. Ever your devoted Niece, VICTORIA R. [Footnote 1: Louis Charles, Comte d'Aquila, a son of Francis I., King of the Two Sicilies, and brother of the Comte de Trapani and of Queen Christina; he and his brother were therefore uncles of Queen Isabella.] [Footnote 2: The Duc de Montpensier.] _The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._ LAEKEN, _18th January 1845._ MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... The Spanish marriage question is really very curious; in fact, all the other Bourbon branches are hostile to the Orleans family, but the idea that makes the King so constant in his views about it, is that he imagines it would create in France a bad impression if _now_ any other than a Bourbon was to marry the Queen of Spain. That feeling they have _themselves created_, as in France they did not at all care about it; having, however, declared _quasi_ officially in the French Chambers that they _will not have any but a Bourbon_, if circumstances should after all decide it otherwise it would now be a defeat, but certainly one of their own making.... Your devoted Uncle, LEOPOLD R. _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th January 1845._ ...The feeling of loyalty in this country is happily _very_ strong, and wherever we show ourselves we are most heartily and warmly received, and the civilities and respect shown to us by those we visit is _most_ satisfactory. I mention merely a trifling instance to show _how_ respectful they are--the Duke of Buckingham, who is immensely proud, bringing the cup of coffee after dinner on a waiter to Albert himself. And everywhere my dearest Angel receives the respect and honours I receive. Many thanks for returning the list;[3] it was not Albert but _Tatane_ who made the black crosses. Are not "Les 3 Mousquetaires," by Dumas, and "Arthur," by Eugene Sue, _readable_ for _me_? Now adieu, dearest, best Uncle. Ever your truly devoted Niece, VICTORIA R. [Footnote 3: A list of French books which the Queen was proposing to read.]