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

Amongst the various letters I found upon my desk, I recognised one in the hand-writing of the Duchess of Sutherland. It was as follows:-- The Duchess of Sutherland will be much pleased to see Monsieur Soyer at Stafford House at two o’clock this day; or ten to-morrow morning, if more convenient to Monsieur Soyer. 7th February, 1856. I had scarcely read this letter, when a double knock was heard at the street door. It was the footman from Stafford House, sent for an answer. I at once informed him I was going to wait upon her Grace; but as he was there, he might say that, at two o’clock precisely, I would do myself the honour of attending at Stafford House. Concluding, naturally enough, that the summons had reference to my letter, I immediately began to reflect how I should explain the plan I intended to adopt, in case my services were required. In the first place, I had decided that the most important question of all would be the entire freedom of my actions when I arrived at Scutari. This, of course, could not be granted, unless the Government, impressed with the importance of the subject, thought proper to do so. The active part would easily develop itself to my free and experienced mind. CHAPTER II. A SUMMONS TO STAFFORD HOUSE. Stafford House--A distinguished circle--The plan detailed--Its practicability admitted--Home again--Another summons--The War Office--An appointment made--Second interview with the Duchess of Sutherland--Samples of hospital diets--Question of seasoning--New system. At ten minutes to two I entered the superb portico of Stafford House, and was shown to the ground-floor library by the Duke’s piper, young Mackenzie. “Her Grace will be with you presently,” said he. “Walk in, sir, and I will apprise the Duchess of your arrival; who, I am aware, is anxious to see you.” I thanked him for his politeness, and he left me alone. I had scarcely time to cast a glance of admiration upon one of the _chefs-d’œuvre_ of Landseer, representing the juvenile Stafford family, when her Grace entered, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Argyle, the