, we have
been living in an unnatural world for a long time. Moreover, if it is
unnatural, why did Jesus send a woman out as the first preacher?"

He waived a discussion of that question by inviting us all to his cabin
to drink wine with him--and as we were "total abstainers," it seemed
as unnatural to us to have him offer us wine as a woman's preaching had
seemed to him.

The next European incident on which memory throws a high-light was
our audience with Pope Leo XIII. As there were several distinguished
Americans in our party, a private audience was arranged for us, and for
days before the time appointed we nervously rehearsed the etiquette of
the occasion. When we reached the Vatican we were marched between rows
of Swiss Guards to the Throne Room, only to learn there that we were
to be received in the Tapestry Room. Here we found a very impressive
assemblage of cardinals and Vatican officials, and while we were still
lost in the beauty of the picture they made against the room's
superb background, the approach of the Pope was announced. Every
one immediately knelt, except a few persons who tried to show their
democracy by standing; but I am sure that even these individuals felt a
thrill when the slight, exquisite figure appeared at the door and gave
us a general benediction. Then the Pope passed slowly down the line,
offering his hand to each of us, and radiating a charm so gracious
and so human that few failed to respond to the appeal of his engaging
personality. There was nothing fleshly about Leo XIII. His body was so
frail, so wraithlike, that one almost expected to see through it the
magnificent tapestries on the walls. But from the moment he appeared
every eye clung to him, every thought was concentrated upon him. This
effect I think he would have produced even if he had come among us
unrecognized, for through the thin shell that housed it shone the steady
flame of a wonderful spirit.

I had previously remarked to my friends that kissing the Pope's
ring after so many other lips had touched it did not appeal to me
as hygienic, and that I intended to kiss his hand instead. When my
opportunity came I kept my word; but after I had kissed the venerable
hand I remained kneeling for an instant with bowed head, a little aghast
at my daring. The gentle Father thought, however, that I was waiting
for a special blessing. He gave it to me gravely and passed on, and I
devoted the next few hours to ungodly crowing over t