Jula Ward Howe, Reminiscences: 1819-1899

[126] our backs. Monsignore Baggs, after presenting my husband, said to him, ‘Dr. Howe, you should tell his Holiness about the little blind girl [Laura Bridgman] whom you educated.’ The Pope remarked that he had been assured that the blind were able to distinguish colors by the touch. Dr. Howe said that he did not believe this. His opinion was that if a blind person could distinguish a stuff of any particular color, it must be through some effect of the dye upon the texture of the cloth.

The Pope said that he had heard there had been few Americans in. Europe during the past season, and had been told that they had been kept at home by the want of money, for which he made the familiar sign with his thumb and forefinger. Apropos of I forget what, he remarked, “Chi mi sente dare la benedizione del balcone di san Pietro intende cha io non sono un giovinotto,” ‘Whoever hears me give the benediction from the balcony of St. Peter's will understand that I am not a youth.’ The audience concluded, the Pope obligingly turned his back upon us, as if to examine something lying on the table which stood be. hind him, and thus spared us the inconvenience of bowing, curtsying, and retiring backward.

I remember to have heard of a great floral festival held not long after this time at some village near Rome. Among other exhibits appeared a medallion of his Holiness all done in flowers, the