“Well, I hope she has; I shall pay her a visit as soon as possible--that is, when she is a little better. Was she ill at all at Scutari?” “Not, my Lord, while I was there, and, I think, not before. It is rather remarkable that she should catch the Crimean fever just after her arrival.” I told Lord Raglan of her imprudence in visiting a patient at Dr. Henderson’s, who had been attacked by the worst form of Crimean fever; also, of her remaining out so late, and not taking any refreshment. “She appears,” said Lord Raglan, “to have no fear.” “None whatever.” I recounted her visit to the three-gun battery, and the scene that took place upon the centre mortar. Lord Raglan remarked--“It should be called the Nightingale mortar.” He then jumped upon his horse, and I had but a few minutes to explain the result of my visit with Dr. Hall to the various hospitals. I mentioned that the most important thing was the immediate erection of a kitchen for the General Hospital, in case of a decided attack upon Sebastopol. “Very true, Monsieur Soyer,” said Lord Raglan. I stated that I had addressed a letter to his lordship to that effect. “Yes, I have seen it, and it shall be attended to.” Lord Raglan and his staff then started in the direction of the French head-quarters, and I towards Balaklava, where I arrived about dusk. I left my pony at the General Hospital, and walked to the opposite side of the harbour, which I had in the morning left all in confusion, and, to my astonishment, found quiet and almost deserted. The only person I saw was Admiral Boxer, who came and thanked me for the assistance I had given him in the morning. “Don’t mention it, admiral,” said I; “I shall at all times be happy to do everything in my power to render myself agreeable to you. Pray tell me, where are they all gone?” “To their camp, to be sure.” “What--regiments, horses, and all?” “Yes, the vessels alongside this morning have not only discharged their cargoes, but are, I believe, out of the harbour and anchored in the bay. We shall have two more in, which must be discharged to-morrow.” “This silence is almost inconceivable after so much noise and bustle.” “It is,” said the admiral. “I don’t understand those Sardinians, they speak so fast and loud; but they are fine fellows for all that, and no mistake.” The words were hardly out of his mouth, when two Sardinians attached to the commissariat came towards us, and inquired whether we understood French or Italian. I informed them that I spoke French. “Then, pray, sir, can you tell us where to find ce diable d’amiral Anglais?” “What do they say?” asked Admiral Boxer, addressing me. “Nothing particular,” I replied. “Gentlemen,” said I, turning to the Sardinians, “what could the admiral do for you? It is very probable that I shall have the pleasure of seeing him this evening.”