The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-09-11

lIlS lIlSnu. we dNdllSd Jul
selves of his invitation and visited him
several times in his apartments, Rue
Crociferi. We were received by an aged
and dignified female who, after our
first visit, greeted us most effusive!y
and always insisted upon our waiting if
MonsignOre happened to be out, thus
indicating that our presence was agree
able to the master We were discreet
enough not TO call for nearly week,
but our curiosity to see how a priest
lived and received in Rome induced us
finally to venture.
The apartments consisted of num-
Der of rooms, those we saw being lofty
and vast and distinguished by that
GOODNESS and somberness that is so
characteristic of Italian interiors. Our
host was very unaffected and commune
icative and We passed many pleasant
and profitable hours with him. On the
floor above was the apartment of his
aged father, of whom he spoke in the
most affectionate terms, declaring that
upon his death he should retire to a
monastic life. On the ground floor was
his private chapel and we were invited
and attended a special function therein
at a later date.
Before leaving we were asked why
we had not figured at a large reception
held by his Holiness the preceding day
We answered that we were only pass
ing through Rome and knew no one
nor had We brought any credentials
with us. We had heard that it Was
very difficult 10 obtain admission to one
of these receptions and we had not even
dreamed of attempting 1t.
Our kind host Immediately informed
us that he would be delighted to render
us this little service.
Little when we knew of people who
had travelled thousands of miles and
had spent many dollars in vain efforts
TO attain this privilege.
We were unfortunately out when
MOnsignore called upon US a few days
later, but he left word that the Pope
would accord a private reception to
select few in a couple of days and that
we had but to see our Consul and OBJ
tain his guarantee and he would attend
to the rest. Our dear little hostess
was all in flutter over the advent of
our distinguished visitor whom she had
received in our absence and assured lis
that we were most fortunate in having
such a powerful friend. The next
evening the hussier of the Pope ar
rived in his quaint costume, bringing
us our formal invitation, for which he
received his proper pourboire.
Fortunately for us, the regulation
toilet was Of the simpleSt-a plain black
dress, a black veil in lieu of a bonnet
and no gloves. Even our slender ward
robe was equal to this emergency. with
the aid of our lively hostess who lent
US one lace scarf and who arranged
our headgear for US in graceful and
picturesque manner. My friend looked
very handsome with her beautiful
white hair framed in by the black lace,
and l, being dark, could easily have
passed for an Italian.
Before dressing, my thoughtful COM
panion, who was born Catholic and
consequently understood the value of
such things. bought number of rosa
ries, crosses and medals. intending TO
have them blessed and then distribute
them among more fervent devoteeS
than herself.
AS we drove in our open carriage the
entire length of Rome, for our apart
ments were near the Pincio, we felt
very unchristian spirit of pride animal
ing us, for we knew that every one was
aware of our destination. 1t seemed
strange when we arrived in front of the
magnificent temple Of st. Peter to turn
TO the left, and entering a gate, drive
behind the immense pile. We were duly
deposited and armed with our invita-
ton, were piloted along corridors and
up q noble staircase, through several
handsome apartments. from the win
pleasant gardens, where his Holiness
takes his exercise and his simple recre-
alton.
The room into which we were finally
ushered was square and lofty, with
green carpet on the floor and hung
with superb tapestries which we mad
full leisure to admire. Otherwise 1t
was devoid of furniture save row Of
chairs along the four walls. We were
among the last TO enter and interested
ourselves while waiting with watching
our companions and wondering what
motives had brought them there,
doubting not but that as many came
from pride or curiosity as from real de-
votion.
We were surprised to find that the
men outnumbered the women, and that
most of them had uninteresting and
unintelligent faces. There were ;eve-
Ial priests and one very large fine look-
ing German. Most of the company
were supplied with souvenirs like our
selves. and a priest who sat next to lis
had large fat box filled with tiny
medals. There must have been nun
drcds Of them.
'Ho will draw a fine revenue from
that" whispered my friend There
are thousands Of people who would pay
for q medal blessed by the
PCpe'S own hands"
While we were waiting lady ana
her daughter passed through the room
toto the apartment beyond, in which
his Holiness was ready to receive them.
MANY were the whispers around us es
I" her wealth and influence which, IN
deco, must be great to, have attained
such signal honor. She was for
eigJ,er. of course. and had spent many
thousands of dollars on the church.
IT was probably true, but we knew
that money was not always necessary
t. obtain such privileges In a quar-
ter Of an hour the ladies came busting
thi ough with an air Of great impor-
lance. Tt seemed to US that they had
VisfhIy swelled.
Suddenly there was a slight hum ard
two ushers entered and announced his
Holiness.
Every one rose, and then, as the ven
cradle man entered. all knelt-with the
exce1tion Of the tall German and his
b1lxcm wife Though a wretched he
retio myself I did not mind knealing
before the reverend man who stood be-
fore us. partly supported by two rsn-
ers. These ushers had coats Of red
brocaded elk. short breeches, stockings
and low shoes.
-x,ora Iono f,,I1 ,ro-,,