Sunday, April 26

Rome and St. Peter's Basilica



Got up at 7:15. Had a bath in the saucer pan and breakfast alone in the dining room with my faithful Baedeker beside me. Coffee - hot milk - rolls and fresh butter - no more - no less.

Then went by myself to St. Peter’s, carried a camp-chair, went first of all to a German service and then to the regular High Mass. It was a beautiful service. Not knowing where it was to be held, I was late so stood all the way through.

Then went all around the church with the Baedeker and looked at everything, but it is impossible to take it all in at once or I should think at many visits. It is magnificent beyond words with its wealth of detail.




Left just before noon. Rode back for I was tired. Lay down till lunch. Miss Wood told me how to go to see Mrs. Bell.

Got there all right. Had a great time in getting word to Mrs. Bell after I got to the pension. It took me 25 minutes before I made them understand whom I wanted. There was an Italian woman who was very rude - told me to go to the station and take a no. 12 train. Then they said Mrs. Bell was out, was asleep, and finally she came down and I had a pleasant visit with her - told her what hard work I had had reaching her.

Her friend Mrs. Abbott came down and an Oakland woman, a Mrs. Watson came in and we had tea. Left just before six - cars were crowded - stood all the way home. Went into the drawing room a while. A Miss Patterson spoke to me-said she knew Florence well. Been to Capri with her.

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