Not merely Pius IX., but St.Peter himself seemed to stand before the jubilant multitude, opening heaven's gates with one key, and the portals of an earthly paradise of freedom with another.

The two cardinals cast their palm-leaves down to the people, and as they fell, fluttering uncertainly, now this way, now that, all eyes followed them to see who should be the happy ones to secure the precious emblems of benediction and absolution.

One leaf, after hovering in the air a moment, sank in ever narrowing circles until it lodged on the flag of a volunteer regiment, whereupon a mighty cheer burst from thousands of throats.

The other, borne hither and thither by shifting breezes, was finally wafted toward the raised platform where sat the ladies of the French embassy.

A hundred hands reached eagerly for it as it sank lower and lower; but one arm, extending higher than the others, secured the prize.