Honours also were heaped upon him on all sides, but without in any way marring his simplicity of character, or causing him to be any the less the plain, free and easy approachable man he ever was, even to the meanest hodman. To high and low alike he was ever courteous and considerate, and he most willingly lectured, or presided at lectures, concerts, or meetings of friendly societies, wherever he thought he could be useful. For his distinguished services in the Soudan campaign Wauchope was now promoted from Brigadier to the rank of Major-General, and towards the end of November 1898 he received the Queen's commands to attend at Windsor Castle, and had the privilege on that occasion of dining with Her Majesty along with his brother officer Sir William Gatacre--not the first time he had been similarly honoured. Of course every other engagement must give way to a summons of this kind; and Major-General Wauchope's presence at a meeting in Dalkeith on the evening of the same day had to be dispensed with, though much to the disappointment of those who had come to hear him speak. {162} At bazaars he was always happy in his remarks, and whether the object were the building of a new church, or a manse, or getting up funds for a drill hall, he commended it with earnestness and wit, and at the same time did not stint his own contribution to the cause. On one of these occasions he was appropriately introduced to the company by Dr. Gray of Liberton 'as a sincere Christian, a true-hearted gentleman, a brave soldier, and a modest man.' In the work of the Boys' Brigade and Volunteer gatherings he was delighted to give his support, and was frequently asked to take a part in their meetings both at New Craighall and Portobello. It was so characteristic of the outspoken candour of his nature, that his inspections were not matters of formal display, or the mere occasion of fulsome praise. Drill to him was business; and he was quick to detect faults, and if needful correct them. Once at an open-air inspection of the Portobello Company of the Boys' Brigade, after a thorough examination of the lads, he addressed them upon the various points of drill, and emphasised certain weaknesses noticed by him; for, as he expressed it, 'he did not come there to tell them they were the best creatures on earth, for he did not believe they were. Taking all things into consideration, he thought they did very well, but they might do better.' The spectators were somewhat amused at the critical attitude of the General, but it was none the less appreciated, for on this subject an ounce of criticism from him was worth a ton of praise from any other person. [Sidenote: Liberton School Board]