“In fact,” said I to the Marquis of Stafford, who had tasted several of the samples, “does not your lordship opine that salt and pepper should be almost excluded from the ward, and that the cook should be as responsible for seasoning the food as the apothecary is for making up the doctor’s prescription correctly?” “Certainly; but can you persuade them to do so?” “Very easily; by my system of diet, every recipe will be printed, framed, and hung up in the kitchen, so that any person, even a soldier (provided he can read), will be capable of executing them well, as each receipt will be comprised in a few lines.” “Ah! that will, indeed, be most valuable, and readily applied in every hospital.” During this conversation, the Duchess of Sutherland and the Marquis of Stafford had tasted another kind of food which I had made for the camp. It was prepared from peas-meal, in which I had introduced a due proportion of salt and pepper,--called “Symon’s ground baked peas-meal,”--and by pouring a pint of boiling water upon a good table-spoonful of it, made a most excellent and thick purée of peas quite hot. I one day, as a trial, ate nothing but that and a biscuit, and did not feel the least inclined for anything else. I do not mean to imply that such fare would do for a continuance, but when nothing else could be obtained, it certainly would be a great comfort for the troops to get a hot meal, made in a few minutes, and without trouble. All present tasted this, and expressed themselves very favourably about it. Having also left some samples of coffee, I was retiring, when the Duchess of Sutherland kindly reminded me that she should be happy to see me the morning after my interview with the Minister-at-War. Of course I should not have failed in presenting myself, even without this kind invitation. CHAPTER III. OFF TO THE WAR. Reception at the War Office--Full powers granted--The Duke of Cambridge--His _chef de cuisine_, Comte--Model of a portable camp or field stove--Visit to Lord Shaftesbury--Dr. Andrews--An encouraging porter--Phonetic experiments--Mr. Stafford’s kind reception--Model of the stove inspected by the Duke of Cambridge and by Lord Panmure--Interview with Mr. Brunel--Dr. Mayne--Question of patent--Sir Benjamin Hawes’ office--Stafford House again--Letters of introduction--Honourable Mrs. Herbert--A recreant secretary--Quite at a non-plus--A friend in need--Farewell at London Bridge--Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone.