THE SOLDIER'S FRIEND. to fulfil the more immediate duties of her station, with grace and propriety, even to a presentation at Court ; which proved that she was not one of those who devote themselves to the cause of charity in order to avoid the onerous claims of social life. From London, Florence Nightingale went to Edinburgh, and to the Continent, intent on perfect- ing herself for a high and holy mission, and gather- ing up stores of knowledge for present, as well as for future use. In the memorable year 1851, when all Europe held festive holiday in honour of the Great Exhibition, when " the highlands of Scotland, the lakes of Switzerland, and all the bright spots of the Continent were filled with parties of pleasure," Miss Nightingale-so well fitted by birth and educa- tion to shine a star in her own proper sphere -took up her abode in a hospital at Kaiserwerth on the Rhine, where Protestant Sisters of Mercy are trained as nurses for the sick ; and for three long months within the walls of this institution, she remained in daily andnightly attendance, unwearyingly expending her health and strength in the cause of benevolence. Here she made herself thoroughly acquainted with all the rules and regulations required in the manage- ment of a hospital. The Pasteur Flieaner, director of the Establishment, affirmed that during the pro- gress of the Institution, no one had ever passed so distinguished an examination, or shown herself so thoroughly mistress of all she had to learn, as the young, wealthy, and graceful Englishwoman. With 9
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