"If I had before been mildly desirous of visiting the observatory, I was
now intensely anxious to do so. Father Secchi suggested that I should
see Cardinal Antonelli in person, with a written application in my hand.
This was not to be thought of--to ask an interview with the wily
cardinal!
FROM A LETTER TO HER FATHER.
... I am working to get admitted to see the observatory, but it
cannot be done without special permission from the pope, and I
don't like to be "presented." If I can get permission without
the humbug of putting on a black veil and receiving a blessing
from Pius, I shall; but I shrink from the formality of
presentation. I know thou'd say "Be presented."
"Our minister at that time had the reputation of being very careless of
the needs and wishes of his countrymen, and I was not surprised to find
a long delay.
"In the course of my waiting, I had told my story to a young Italian
gentleman, the nephew of a monseigneur; a monseigneur being next in rank
to a cardinal. He assured me that permission would never be obtained by
our minister.
"After a fortnight's waiting I received a permit, written on parchment,
and signed by Cardinal Antonelli.
"When the young Italian next called, I held the parchment up in triumph,
and boasted that Minister ---- had at length moved in the matter. The
young man coolly replied, 'Yes, I spoke to my uncle last evening, and
asked him to urge the matter with Cardinal Antonelli; but for that it
would never have come!' There had been 'red tape,' and I had not seen
it.
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