chia. This vessel was named the "Immaculate
Conception;" and two years later, by order of his Holiness, was laid up at
Toulon, under the protection of the flag of France. A French ship, the
"Orenoque," was then placed at the disposal of Pius IX., in case he should
wish, at any time, to leave Rome: and later, the "Kleber," which was
stationed in the waters of Bastia (Corsica).

The Holy Father had made up his mind so early as the first days of
September, 1870, to remain in the city. His presence, he felt confident,
would so far prevent the evils which he feared. If he were gone, there
would be less restraint on the usurping power, when it might wish to
confiscate more convents, churches and church property generally. Almost
all the foreign ambassadors remained with him; and this circumstance
presented another cause why the new government would be more moderate and
circumspect in its attacks on property.

A beautiful legend which the Holy Father recounted, at an interview with
Cardinal De Bonnechose, was well calculated to reconcile the Catholic
world to the stay of Pius IX. at Rome, even although he was there as a
prisoner of the victorious king. And a prisoner he really was; for he
could not have removed to any other country except by a successful
stratagem, so closely guarded were all the approaches to the city by the
myrmidons of the conqueror. Taking the cardinal aside, he informed him
that he wished to present him with a memorial. "The object in itself is of
little value. The intention with which I give it is all its worth." It was
a small plate of ivory, framed in gold, surmounted by the arms of the Holy
See, and representing in the most exquisite manner a moving scene in the
life of St. Peter. "You behold the subject of my frequent meditations for
many years. When the prince of the apostles, fleeing from persecution,
quitted Rome, he met, not far from the gate of Saint Sebastian, our Lord
Himself, carrying His cross and looking extraordinarily sad: '_Domine quo
radis?_' 'Lord, where are you going?' exclaimed Peter. 'I am going to
Rome,' replied our blessed Lord, 'In order to be there crucified anew to
die in your place, as your courage has failed you.' " "Peter understood,"
continued the Holy Father, "and remained at Rome. I also remain. For if,
at this moment, I left the eternal city, it would seem to me as if our
Lord addressed to me the same words of reproach. The representation of
this scene I am anxious to le