The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-31


 ,.....s..................
 so on. The reception rooms are in a long row and the doors are opposite each other, so that the holy father simply walks straight along from room to room, blessing he goes.
 In the first room was a Spaniard of prineely rank, much decorated in medals and stars; we had the second room-that is, the throne room-to ourselves. After us family of four in another room, then two rooms containing general audiences and deputations of priests and nuns.
 At last his holiness appeared in the doorway, Count Moroni alone at his side and looking most impressive. The Pope is a very little man, with a face both genial and benevolent. He was dressed simply in pure white, with small white cap and around his waist was tied d broad white watered ribbon When the Pope entered he of the purple robes fell on his knees before him, kissing his hands In the meantime the Saint Pere' was taking us in and frightened though We were, we were taking him in. He came to all of us in turn and we kissed his big seal ring very fervently Then he raised his hand. and blessed us all,
 with some kindly spoken Italian words, | which we did not understand, but which we have since learned meant that he wished us prosperity and success in all
 our undertakings. Then he blessed us,
 our families and all who were dear to us. The Irish officer had told us to mention any favor or requests without hesitation but we were too awe-stricken to dare. The girls held up rosaries to be blessed, but we said nothing and only bowed our heads.
 When the audiences were all over we followed the crowd out into the guard room. where the people dispersed and where we waited to thank the count. Some guards were lounging around, but at a sudden signal they all jumped into line and stood at attention. We thought the Pope must be coming our way agaln but loi only Count Moroni appeared, fol- lowed by two subordinates, and all this fuss was being made over him, l do not know what his title is, but 1t must be something very exalted, as he stood by the Pope's side with his helmet on all the time. and is saluted by every one but the holy father himself. He gave us tickets for the Pope's private gardens and we are to go next Tuesday.
 May 13.
 We went to the Popes garden this morning. The place is enormous and eX- quisitely beautiful. There are so many | little wooded shady paths With every now and then an unexpected waterfall, 1 fountain grotto or statue. In the garden
 were two lion cubs, presented to the Pope 1 by King Menelik of Abysinnia. They are i small about the size of St. Bernard dogs, | but exceedingly interesting and playful. ! There is to be a grand justification ser ! vice on the 24th, and 1t is considered q 1 great honor to have tickets to 1t. The ! count has offered to send them to us,
 but alas We had planned to leave the l Got, 1nU a ra ! anxious to witness this interesting ser vice that we may decide to stay another
 week. The question is still under dis | cusson.
 Mrs. Burr Ferguson of Nashville, Tenn, i is the guest of Gen. and Mrs. Frederick Ferguson.
 Among the handsomest young women at the reunion will be Miss Jane Boyden of Salisbury, N. C., who will represent 1 the Army of Virginia She is one of 1 the pronounced beauties and belles of | North Carolina and will arrive on We'd nesday to be the guest of Miss Nancy ] Johnston. Miss Mary Henderson of Sal { isbury, who will be Miss Boyden's maid 1 of honor, will arrive on Saturday to be Miss Johnston's guest during the reunion. 1 Miss Henderson is also noted Carolina
 
 Bessie Henderson, who visited Mrs. Ed ward Wilkinson a few winters ago. ! The visit to Birmingham of Miss Martha l Young is being anticipated with more than | ordinary pleasure, as on Thursday morn 1 ing she will give an authors reading Ut 1 the residence of Mrs. R. D. Johnston. ! The patronesses for the entertainment in- ] clude the members of the William L. i Yancey chapter, Daughters of the Con
 cederacy, and tickets for the reading may | te secured from them. It is hoped that 1 a large audience will hear Miss Young,
 who has charmed the most exclusive of | New York audiences for several years ] Miss Youngs home is in Greensboro, | and she has many friends in Brming- 1 l am, some of whom have had the pleas | ure of hearing her dialect readings in l New York city. She is making a visit 10 l several southern cities, everywhere being greeted by large and appreciative audi | ences.
 ! The following are extracts from press l notices
 Miss Martha Young recited passages 1 from her books at the Waldorf-Astoria last evening. It was delightful authors reading. Her manner let one know she was of the south. Her voice was not the eiocutionist's and 1t was charming. It had the modula tion of the southern girls in description and the singing sweetness of the negro's in his jargon. Her se- ectlons were appauded with ardor. The room was too small for her audience. "- New York Journal.
 Miss Martha Young's readings from her books were delightful and unique.