“If that is all you require, surely you can have it done without much delay.”
“That is all; but I require men as well.”
“You shall have them—orders will be given to that effect.”
“This one will serve as a model for all the others: they will be upon a similar scale. For example, the General Hospital before Sebastopol does not require one on so extensive a scale, though the most important.”
“Well, what you require must be done. By-the-bye, Monsieur Soyer, you are very fortunate in having had the honour of escorting Miss Nightingale to the seat of war.”
“I am fully aware, my Lord, that it is a great honour.”
“The lady mentioned you in her letter to me, as well as Mr. Bracebridge, whom I know very well. I went to Balaklava the other day to visit her.”
“So I heard; but Miss Nightingale was at the Sanatorium whilst your lordship went to the General Hospital.”
“They could not tell me where she was—therefore I did not go to the Sanatorium. I saw a poor lady who seems very ill. I told her she had better take care of herself, and have some one to nurse her, instead of nursing others. She spoke very good French, and a very lady-like person she is.”
“I know whom your lordship means—the lady is Miss Wear.”