Good news—First meeting with Mr. Bracebridge—The Hyder Pacha Hospital—Bad cooking—The General Hospital—Meeting with Miss Nightingale—Plans discussed—Miss Nightingale’s anxiety for a change of system—A visitorial pilgrimage—Miss Nightingale’s dietary kitchen—Bad charcoal—Extra diet kitchens—Question of seasoning—The general kitchen—Imperfect arrangements—An old acquaintance—A promising commencement.
THE next morning we started as agreed upon. On arriving at Scutari, I met a soldier who informed me that a house in Cambridge-street was being prepared for my reception. “It is not two minutes’ walk from here,” said he; “will you go and see it?”
“Thank you, not this morning; my friend is in a great hurry. When will it be ready?”
“To-morrow, or next day, at the latest.”
“That will do very well. Where can I find you if I want to see you?”
“At the Engineers’ office; my name is Corporal Hardy.”
“I thank you.”
On our way to Hyder Pacha, we met Mr. Bracebridge, talking to Dr. MacHree, the head doctor at that hospital; both of which gentlemen I very much wished to see. Upon being introduced to Mr. Bracebridge, I recognised him as an old acquaintance of my friend, the late Baronet Sir George Chetwynd, of Greedon Hall, Staffordshire, whom he frequently visited. He informed me that Miss Nightingale had heard of my arrival, and that she would be much pleased to see me.
“I was going to pay my respects,” said I, “to Mademoiselle this afternoon after post-time.”
“Oh, that will do very well,” he replied: “she will have great pleasure in seeing you.”