Soyer's Culinary Campaign: Being Historical Reminiscences of the Late War.: With The Plain Art of Cookery for Military and Civil Institutions

refreshment the whole of the time. I made sure that she would postpone her visit to the hospitals. Numbers of visitors poured in as usual; amongst them was Admiral Boxer, Chief Admiral of the Port of Balaklava. Mr. Bracebridge was upon deck, and directly he saw the admiral waiting, he went and spoke to him. “Good morning, admiral,” said Mr. Bracebridge, and then did me the honour of introducing me. “Oh! so you are the Monsieur Soyer I have often heard of; and I made sure you were a much older man than you appear to be.” “Did you, indeed, admiral?” “Yes, that I did. I bought one of your large cookery books about fifteen years ago, and in your portrait you are represented as a man of about forty years of age.” “I must have grown ten years younger since then; as I am only forty-five now, admiral.” “I wish you had put that receipt for growing younger into your book. I should have tried it long ago, and have been satisfied with five years, knowing as much as I do.” “Well done, admiral,” said a friend of his. “If Monsieur Soyer could give such receipts as that, everybody would like to take a leaf out of his book.” “At all events, Monsieur Soyer, you are welcome to Balaklava, and when you like to come and see me upon business--mind, I don’t invite you for anything else at present, as all here is business, business, from morning till night, and sometimes all night.” “I assure you, Monsieur Soyer,” said his nephew, “the admiral is always out first and on his rounds; and I, who seldom leave, often find him writing when every one else is fast asleep.” “Well, well, business must be attended to,” said Admiral Boxer. “At all events, recollect that I give you the _entrée_ of the admiral’s ship.” “Many thanks, admiral. You may rest assured I will not trouble you often, and then only upon special business.” “Monsieur Soyer, several officers from Scutari have spoken very highly of your services there; and I sincerely trust you