Interview with Lord W. Paulet--Plans discussed--A new medical corps required--Reminiscences--Soyer’s House--An Oriental chorus--Various expedients--Crusade against the rats--Daily duties--The Palace Hospital--Happy hours--Letters to the press--A refractory workman--A dilemma--General good luck--The Governor of Asia’s entertainment--Return visits--A fire in Scutari--A midnight procession--Important honours--Shut out--Arrival of the field-stoves--Interview with the Duke of Newcastle--The Duke’s letter--Preparations for departure--Bornet the Zouave--His qualifications--An indescribable costume. Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge remained with Miss Nightingale. I went and paid my first visit to Lord William Paulet, having only had the pleasure of catching sight of his lordship at the wharf, owing to the immense crowd. I sent in my card; and the General no sooner received it, than he kindly walked towards the kiosque drawing-room door to meet me, and gave me a most cordial reception. “Ah, Monsieur Soyer,” said he, “I am glad to see you again! How are you? I have very frequently heard of you! I hope your services have been as useful in the Crimea as they were here. I am happy to say that, during your absence, I have not heard any complaints, and your system works admirably. Dr. Cumming and I have often spoken on the subject since you have been away.” “It is extremely gratifying to my feelings to hear you speak so favourably of my humble services; and I have returned for a short time to give a look round, according to promise, as it is very important that no change should take place in the management--which might occur, inasmuch as my head man Jullien seems determined to leave. I must find some one capable of replacing him, or must take to cooking again myself till I can find a proper person.” “I hope, Soyer, you will be fortunate enough to meet with a proper person, as, no doubt, you will be obliged to return to the Crimea.”