I had not waited ten minutes before Lord Panmure came in alone.
“Ah, Mr. Soyer, what have you there?”
“The model of a stove I wish to submit to your lordship. It is one which will, I believe, suit admirably for cooking both in and out of doors.”
After closely examining it, and listening to the details I had previously given to the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Panmure approved of it, and requested me to have another made, which he might keep by him for inspection.
He then inquired how many cooks I should take with me.
“Only a few from Paris,” I replied, “as I wish to make a trial before engaging many people; besides, I hope to be able, in a very short time, to instruct the soldiers, who, being under discipline, might prove as useful as any cooks.”
Lord Panmure seemed pleased at my anxiety to instruct the soldiers; and, as he very justly remarked—“We want them to learn how to cook their rations to the best advantage, and that your instructions should remain for ever among them. Well, I have settled all you wished me to do; and my secretary, Mr. Ramsay, will remit you all the letters you require. When do you think of starting?”
“By the next mail.”
“Well!” said his lordship, shaking me heartily by the hand, “Good-bye, if I do not see you again before your departure.”
“It would only be troubling you; I therefore beg to take this opportunity of thanking your lordship for the kind reception and encouragement I have received, and, still more, for the confidence with which you have honoured me. I assure you that it will cause me to be most careful and economical, and it will be my pride to improve the diet without increasing the expense to Government. This may not be effected at first; but when the system is once introduced, and fairly established, I will answer for both a great amelioration as well as a saving.”