The National tribune., 1902-03-20
NATIONAL WASHINGTON c. THURSDAY 90 1902

duce my two friends, and then we must
hasten outside"
We were now formally introduced
Though from n Southern home. the cir
had an abiding love for the old Flag, and
a warm spot in her heart
for those who had offered their lives in
defense of principle, so we became friends
from the first
''Do you know, Cousin John" said the
girl, as we bent our steps toward the
grand plaza, Il have a presentiment that
is about to happen. l feel aS
If had been floating for ages in dense
fog, but that just little way ahead the
sun is shining bright and clear"
Well, well, my dear girl" said Bell,
smilingly, ''let us get quickly out into the
material sunshine, hoping that the bene
dictiOn of the good Plus will carry with
it that peace and one-time serenity so com
forting to dearest friends"
Miss Ethelred gave Bell n searching
lOok
DO you really believe, Cousin John.
that. that
doing any psychical stunts; let's be re
sponsive to every good influence and shape
our belief on what we feel"
The girl sighed.
BY this time we had reached the center
of the grand square. We secured a good
position for sightseeing on the steps of
an obeisk in the center of the square.
Here we could view the multitude, num-
bering, possibly 100000. A motley crowd
it was. Dominican. franciscan, Capu-
chin, Carmelite monks, in somber garb,
with cOwl and hood, girdle and cord;
meek-eyed nuns; solemn priests, and gar
n prin
with a mendicant friar for shading, there
naughty nObleman towering by the side
Of n cringlng beggar; all were there in
this Jubilee of Nations, doing, it may be
III some cases, unconscious, homage, TO
the influence of the one old man who on
that day held the center OF the worlds
stage.
Twelve o'clock. The guns of St. An
gelO commence to roar; the bells of the
many cathedrals ring out a merry round
clay; a murmur of distant voices is heard
then comes the blare of trumpets, and the
Pope appears in the balcony above the en-
trance to st. Peters. He is borne alOft
on his portable throne. He looks very
venerable and peaceful in his regal robes,
but prOsaic Franz at my side murmurs
in my ear that he has it from the Holy
Father himself that the journey in this
way always makes him seasick.
The Pope now arose from his seat and
advanced to the front. Raising his hands
alOft he chanted in his clear, marvelously
musical voice, the "Urbi ct Orbi" At
the conclusion of the Papal benediction
the air was rent with cries of:
Viva il Papa Pho Nino. Viva il Papa
Pho Nino,"
These manifestations of loyal affection
seemed to crafty the aged Pontiff very
much. He smiled and bowed and waved
his hand in the most gracious manner.
The Papal Bulls or indulgences were then
thrown from the balcony, the people
scrambling for the possession Of them like
so many school-boys.
During the progress of the benediction
the observant Schmidt's attention was ar
rested by stir in the mass on our left
some yards distant.
Just as the Pope concluded, the head of
very tall Austrian Surgeon was seen,
gazing anxiously around, apparently in
search of some one. As he swept the
field, his eye lighted upon
my companion.
With CLEAN of joy he beckoned Franz
to come to him.
Schmidt courteously raised his hat in
adieu to our party and started in the di-
rection indicated. He had some difficulty
IN making his way, but his stout shOul-
ders served good purpose and he was
soon at the side of his friend the Sur
geon.
Word was now passed that an elderly
gentleman had tainted from fatigue.
Come" said Mr.. Bell to the girl, "let
us get away from here, while we may"
No, Cousin John, let us rather stay
where we are; 1t may be possible that we
may be Of some service TO the gentleman"
answered Miss Ethelred
Ac ,Io Fn.r
Mr. Bell, but | fear that her ladyship
would not approve of my consenting to
your remaining, under the circumstances"
The girls lip curled. little scornfuly.
| fear, but she said nothing Reminded
by the maiden's expressed desire to ex-
tend aid, | muttered brief apology and
started to join my friend.
| succeeded in pushing my way through
a crowd of curious tourists. and beheld
a tall, white-haired old gentleman leaning
helplessly upon the arm of handsome
young athlete of distinguished appearance,
but of rather melancholy aspect
The old gentleman was evidently of
military family. When in robust condition
he could, in appearance, at least. have
dignified the position of Marshal of
France.
He must be taken at once to the foot
of yon Obelisk, where he can get good
air." the Austrian was saying to Franz.
IF you will kindly lead my father to
yon spot. said the young man, speaking
in French Il will run and get him cup
of water from the fountain
Franz and | Immediately placed our
selves. one on each side of the old gen
tieman, and assisted him to walk. The
Austrian went ahead and cleared a pas
sage.
As soon as he had been relieved. the
young man dived into his coat pocket and
drew out tourist cup and rushed off in
the direction of one of the fountains play
ing near the colonnades
We led the invalid to the Obelisk and
made him sit down on the upper step.
Miss Ethelred had seen us coming mn and.