whom I esteem, and to remain always in the same state as now.

"For my own part, therefore, I believe it would be better to
conclude my Sister's Marriage in the first place, and not, even to
ask from the King any assurances in regard to mine; the rather as
his word has nothing to do with it: it is enough that I here
reiterate the promises which I have already made to the King my
Uncle, Never to take another wife than his second Daughter the
Princess Amelia. I am a person of my word; and shall be able to
bring about what I set forth, provided there is trust put in me.
I promise it you; and now you may give your Court notice of it;
and I shall manage to keep my promise. I remain yours always."

The Crown-Prince, for Wilhelmina's sake and everybody's, is
extremely anxious they should agree to the Single Marriage in the
interim: but the English Court--perhaps for no deep reason,
perhaps chiefly because little George had the whim of standing
grandly immovable upon his first offer--never would hear of that.
Which was an angry thought to the Crown-Prince in after times, as
we sometimes notice.

Here, to the like effect, is another Fragment from his Royal
Highness, copied in the Dickens hand, and enclosed in the same
Despatch from Hotham;--giving us a glance into the inner workshop
of his Royal Highness, and his hidden assiduities and endeavorings
at that time:--

"... Vous pouvez croire que je ferai tout ce que je peux pour
faire reussir mon plan; mais l'on n'en remarquera rien em dehors;
--que l'on m'en laisse agir en suite, je ferai bien moi seul