“Mrs. Seacole,” I exclaimed; “is that lady the celebrated Mrs. Seacole?” “Of course,” said the general. She then came forth from her bivouac cellar, with two bottles in her hands, exclaiming, “I shall stand mine, and no mistake.” We all declared it would never do for a lady to stand treat in the Crimea. “Lord bless you, Monsieur Soyer,” said the lady, “don’t you know me?” “Yes, I do now, my dear madam.” “Well, all those fine fellows you see here are my Jamaica sons--are you not?” said she, opening the champagne, and addressing the general. “We are, Mrs. Seacole, and a very good mother you have been to us.” “I have known you, general, for many years.” “Well, here’s a health to all.” We emptied our glasses, and returned the compliment. The general then left, again expressing his desire to see me at Cathcart’s Hill. “Walk inside, walk inside, my sons; you will be better there--it is not so hot. Go in, Monsieur Soyer.” No sooner had we entered than the old lady expressed her desire to consult me about what she should do to make money in her new speculation, in which she had embarked a large capital, pointing to two iron houses in course of construction on the other side of the road. She told me that her intention was to have beds there for visitors, which I persuaded her not to do, saying, “All the visitors--and they are few in number--sleep on board the vessels in the harbour, and the officers under canvass in the camp. Lay in a good stock of hams, wines, spirits, ale and porter, sauces, pickles, and a few preserves and dry vegetables--in short, anything which will not spoil by keeping.” “Yes,” said she, “I mean to have all that.” “In that case you will no doubt make money, as you are so well known to all the army.” “I assure you, the last time Lord Raglan passed here, he spoke to me for more than ten minutes, and promised to do all he could for me.” “That’s right,” we all said. “I know Miss Nightingale too. She was very kind to me when I passed through Scutari, on my way here; she gave me lodging and everything I required, in the hospital.” “We passed this way a few days before Miss Nightingale was taken ill,” said I. “I know you did; and I am sure, if the lady had known I was here, she would have called to see me. Thank God, I hear she is quite out of danger.” “Yes, she is improving.” “When you see her, present my best respects, and tell the dear lady that I shall go and see her.” “I will, Mrs. Seacole. Good-bye.” “Good-bye, my son.”