“Well, well, business must be attended to,” said Admiral Boxer. “At all events, recollect that I give you the entrée of the admiral’s ship.”
“Many thanks, admiral. You may rest assured I will not trouble you often, and then only upon special business.”
“Monsieur Soyer, several officers from Scutari have spoken very highly of your services there; and I sincerely trust you will be as successful here.—By-the-bye, I must be off.” Looking at his watch. “Oh, I have ten minutes yet; but could I not see Miss Nightingale?”
“Certainly, admiral. Some gentlemen are with her now—Doctor Henderson and your Balaklava chaplain.”
“Oh, never mind, if the lady is engaged; but I believe you came on board the same ship, and wish to remain together. I must look out for another vessel for you, as the Robert Lowe will be off in a day or two.”
“In that case, admiral, pray see Mr. Bracebridge about it. He is there talking to Thomas, his servant. I will fetch him.”
“Pray, Mr. Bracebridge,” said the admiral, “give my compliments to Miss Nightingale, and tell her from me that I am sorry to disturb her, but the Robert Lowe will sail in a day or two; however, I am going my rounds, and will try and get her quarters upon one of the best vessels in the harbour, and let you know, Mr. Bracebridge. Good-bye! good-bye!”
In a second he was in his boat, holding the helm, and talking to every one he met. His boat was seen in every part of the harbour, and often in the bay, even in rather rough weather. From daybreak till sunset, he might be seen rowing about like a hunted pirate—very active, quick, and expeditious—though very sailor-like—rather rough and straightforward—by report generally liked. Such I found Admiral Boxer.
The weather having cleared up a little, and as I made sure that Miss Nightingale would not go out as it was so very dirty on shore, I prepared to visit the hospitals alone, in order to see how the workmen were going on; intending to ride thence to head-quarters. I purposed getting there about one or two o’clock, his lordship’s lunch-time—the most likely hour to obtain an interview. On my way to Mr. Bracebridge’s cabin, to inform him of my design, and ask him at the same time to go with me—he having expressed a wish that we should go together—Thomas, Miss Nightingale’s page, came and inquired if I was ready to go with her to the hospitals.
“Pray, my lad, tell Miss Nightingale that I was going alone; but that, if she is well enough to go, I shall be very happy to accompany her.” Before I had time, however, to finish the sentence, Miss Nightingale had ascended the cabin stairs, and, I must say, looked very well.