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

he returned with the paper, saying, “I have shown it to Lord Raglan, and he will make a note of it.” He had scarcely uttered the words, when I heard his lordship inquiring in the corridor, “Where is Monsieur Soyer? where is he?” and in he walked, followed by his Staff, seven or eight in number, among whom was Dr. Pennefather. The Commander-in-chief was dressed in plain clothes, and looked very well, full of health and vigour. His fine open countenance, so characteristic of the man, was more brilliant than ever, and his conversation quite jocular. After alluding to the step I had just taken, and which, he observed, was very thoughtful on my part, he promised to have the parties informed of the mistake, and of my explanation. “Monsieur Soyer,” (Lord Raglan, as he said this, was standing in the doorway, leaning on his right shoulder, with his legs crossed, and surrounded by several gentlemen, forming a group which I shall not forget as long as I live,) “you must have known my old friend Ude?” “I did, my lord.” “How many years were you at the Reform Club?” “Above twelve. It was old Mr. Ude who gave the late Madame Soyer away when we were married; so we often visited him.” “Lord Alvanley, who had apartments at Mr. Ude’s, lived there for years, and I frequently visited him,” said Lord Raglan. “If so, no doubt your lordship will recollect a very interesting picture of a country girl going to market, with a basket of poultry under her arm?” “I do, very well indeed, and I know it was painted by your wife. It was very cleverly done. But you had all her best pictures at the Reform Club. You showed them to me yourself.” “I recollect doing so perfectly well.” “She was a very talented woman indeed!” observed several of the gentlemen present, who had seen her pictures. “She was an Englishwoman, was she not, Monsieur Soyer?” said his lordship. “Yes, my lord; her maiden name was Emma Jones.” “Of course,” rejoined one of the group, “her paintings