As we were passing, I left my card at Colonel Hardinge’s, the commandant of Balaklava. I had the pleasure of meeting many officers there with whom I was acquainted; they all gave me pressing invitations to visit them in camp, and others to dine with them. As I had no time to stay, I promised to call upon every one, and rejoined Miss Nightingale. On arriving at the hospital I found the workmen in full activity. Miss Nightingale remained there about two hours. We went next to the Sanatorium, and, in going up the hill, called upon the sick officer who was in Dr. Henderson’s hut. The nurse said that he was a little better, but far from being well. He was delirious at times.
“You had better go back to the hospital this evening, Mrs. ——, and tell Miss Weare to appoint another nurse to attend in your stead.”
“Thank you, madam, I will do so; and am rather glad of it, as I feel very tired.”
We then proceeded to the Genoese Heights, where I had the pleasure of meeting Captain King, the chief engineer, whom I found very ready to assist me in every way.
“You are aware,” said he, “that we are not in London; and I cannot build a kitchen in the Crimea such as you had at the Reform Club.”
“I should be very sorry if you could, as in that case you would have to get somebody to manage it, for I assure you I should not like to begin my gastronomic career again; and I must say I feel every bit as proud in having to cook for the soldiers, if not more so, than ever I did in cooking for the greatest epicures or the first lords of England.”
“Then,” said Captain King, “we shall work well together.”
“I have no doubt of it, captain, as I only require a few workmen, such as carpenters and bricklayers; some planks, nails, and a few bricks and a little mortar. If my new field stoves were finished I should not trouble you at all, as they will cook in the open air, and do not require any fixing.”
“If you do not need anything more elaborate than your kitchen here, we shall be able to give you satisfaction. Have you seen the plan I have drawn out for you?”
“Yes, I have—it will do very well.”