watch over yourself, and never do or say anything without reflection: be kind and courteous, and avoid giving pain either to equals or inferiors, and discourage in your youthful attendant anything approaching to levity, vanity, or gossiping.

The last subject on which I would say a few words is employment of time and money. The first I really can hardly wish you to change, but hope you will pursue your studies in much the same regular way, and practise music and drawing, as you have done at home. The disbursement of money is rather more difficult, as you have a larger income, and of course heavier calls and responsibilities, but as a general rule I should advise you to lay out half your salary in dress; one quarter in journeys and charities, and the remaining hundred to lay out in the funds, to form a little nest egg for any future emergency. And now, my darling child, if I have left anything unsaid that may be useful to you, you can at any time refer to me for advice, which will be readily given by your most affectionate mother; and that God may bless you, and prosper all your endeavours, shall be the constant prayer of one whose thoughts will be with her child early in the morning and late at night.

M. S. R.

CHAPTER II.

First Waiting at Windsor-Arrival of Frederick William, King of Prussia-Prince of Wales' Christening-Investiture of the Garter-Queen opened Parliament-Visited BrightonAttempt to shoot Her Majesty-Queen's Visit to ScotlandExtracts from the Hon. Matilda Paget's Letters.

Extracts of Letters to my Mother, Lady
Ravensworth.

Windsor Castle, Thursday Evening, January 20, 1842.—I arrived here about five o'clock, and was immediately shown up to my rooms, which are warm and comfortable. Shortly after, Matilda Paget, who arrived just before me, came to me and took me to Lady Lyttelton, the lady in waiting, who received me kindly. I remained some time in her room; and then, when I returned to my own, Baroness Lehzen came to me, bringing me my badge, which, as you know, is the Queen's picture, surrounded with brilliants on a red bow. I am to be presented to Her Majesty in the corridor before dinner. I have a nice sitting-room, with a pianoforte. I hear the

duties are very easy, and that except at meals, or when the Queen sends for us, we may sit quietly in our rooms, which is just what I like. The Castle is being prepared for the King of Prussia's visit, and is full of workpeople. I hear they have, after much difficulty, succeeded in warming St. George's Chapel, and it is all carpeted. I found on my table two large cards of invitation to the christening and banquet. The reports of balls and festivities are untrue, though the Queen may have an impromptu dance. I already begin to feel tolerably at home, and if only I find that by constant and unceasing attention on my part, and an earnest desire to do my duty, I can succeed in satisfying my royal mistress, I dare say I shall be very happy, although my thoughts will oftenvery often-be at home with those I love so much better than anything else in the world.

As I am not quite sure when the post goes out, I shall write you a few lines, dearest mother, before I go to bed, to tell you that I went downstairs with Lady Lyttelton and Miss Paget, and we waited, as is customary, in the corridor, near the door which leads to the Queen's apartment. When Her Majesty came, Lady Lyttelton presented me, and I kissed hands on my appointment as maid of honour. The Queen asked graciously

after you and Minnie. We then went in to dinner; and after dinner Her Majesty talked to me for some time, asked me about my family, journey, &c., &c. The Duchess of Kent was also very kind, and desired to be remembered to you and my sisters. We were quite a small party, consisting merely of the household. In the evening the Queen and Prince Albert and some of the others played a round game, whilst, as I had asked Miss Paget to take the first waiting, I sat quietly working next Baroness Lehzen, who is very amiable to me, and Lord Charles Wellesley came and talked to us. He is odd and quaint, and amuses me. When we came up to bed Lady Lyttleton and Miss Paget both congratulated me upon the success of my first interview; and now the worst is over, and I wonder at myself at feeling so little nervous. The hours are very regularbreakfast at ten, lunch at two, dinner at eight. There is a room downstairs where we are allowed to receive our relations and friends, but they must not come upstairs.

Windsor Castle, January 21, 1842.—I have not yet seen the Queen to-day, but Her Majesty keeps very early hours, as she went to the ridinghouse before we breakfasted this morning. Prince Albert started for Woolwich a little after eleven

to meet the King of Prussia, but it is doubtful when His Majesty will arrive to-day. I went all over the state apartments which are prepared for him. What magnificent rooms they are, and what pictures! I should like to spend all my time in studying them. Our chief duty seems to consist in giving the Queen her bouquet before dinner, which is certainly very hard work! and even this only happens every other day. I am left entirely to myself, and can employ my time as I like. The weather has been very thick and foggy ever since I left you, except the day I came up from York, which was splendid; otherwise I really should think that the sun only shines at Ravensworth.

Being the maid of honour in waiting to-day, I had to place the bouquet beside Her Majesty when she sat down to dinner, and sit next the gentleman to the Queen's right; so I was next Lord Jersey. Sarah Villiers' marriage has been postponed, because Prince Esterhazy père is laid up at Ratisbon with a fit of the gout. I had to play at Nainjaune, or some such game, after dinner. I did not know it the least, but soon learnt. I made some mistakes at first; but, luckily, always to my own disadvantage, which delighted Prince Albert, who is charmed when