(3 of 3)
Courtiers had a brief glimpse of a white-robed Queen, a gold-collared King, and the resplendent Pope. Over his white silk cassock the Pope wore a rocchetto (tunic) of fine point lace down to his ankles; on his shoulders was a red velvet mozzetta (short cape) bordered with ermine. The doors closed, leaving Majesties and Pontiff to commune in secret. Correspondents wondered what was said. Worldly wise cardinals and diplomats knew that whatever it was it was not important.
Twenty minutes later the doors were opened. Courtiers filed in. Gifts had been exchanged. To the Pope, King Vittorio gave a jeweled cross in a casket of polished stone. Queen Elena presented an antique crucifix, belonging by tradition to the Venerable Clothilde of Savoy. On the King the Pontiff bestowed the Supreme Order of Christ, gave His Majesty also a set of three rare medals in a white leather box, and (most appreciated of all, for Vittorio Emanuele is a famed numismatist) a four-volume illustrated catalog of the Vatican coin collection. For Queen Elena the Beatissimus Pater produced a mosaic reproduction of Raphael's Madonna of the Chair, and a jeweled rosary. To Crown Prince Umberto, His Holiness sent a special blessing, observed benignly that ''in him lie the hopes of the Italian people, and not the Italian people alone."*
Visiting was not over for the King and Queen when they left the Pontiff's presence. There was still a call to be paid upon Cardinal Gasparri, Papal Secretary of State, in his state apartments, and (thrilling moment for Their Majesties) the first visit to the Basilica of St. Peter. Conducted by the long scarlet-robed figure of Cardinal Merry del Val, Archpriest of the Basilica, they admired painted ceilings and gigantic carven cherubs, knelt above the Tomb of the Apostles.
Out in the sunshine once more stiff lines of glittering halberdiers lined the way to the Royal motor cars. From an upper window of the Vatican, the Pope beamed a goodbye, did not wave. Back once more on Italian territory Their Majesties passed saluting soldiery in a uniform that they had not seen for nearly three hours, the black-shirted militia of Benito Mussolini.
Home in the Quirinal Palace Queen Elena commanded a large, nourishing sandwich. Since early morning she had been up preparing for the visit, had had no time to eat. Scarcely had the sandwich arrived than Her Majesty was forced to tuck it away. Cardinal Gasparri, prompt to return the royal visit, had arrived and was waiting audience. Queen Elena swallowed hastily, descended to receive him.
Even then Papal visiting was not over for Vittorio Emanuele. Two mornings later, back to the Vatican went he with three of his children. Crown Prince Umberto, Princesses Giovanna and Maria. Papal Guards, Swiss Guards, Cardinals, Throne, etc., etc.—the whole ceremony was gone through once more.
Exhilarated by the resplendent reconciliation, Pius XI's Palatine guard next day made its first emergence into united Italy, quick-stepped through the streets of Rome to the Piazza di Spagna, where it took part in religious ceremonies.
*The big one is in the Throne Room proper, not used except when many persons are presented.
*H.R.H. is engaged to Belgium's Princess Marie José.