talian to my maid, and
English alternately. I think we would have puzzled the builders of the
tower of Babel at that confusing moment when they all burst forth in
unknown tongues.

ROME, _October 15, 1888_.

My dear Aunt,--We are having a series of entertainments in honor of the
new Kaiser. This is his first official visit since he has become
Emperor. He arrived here on the 11th at four o'clock.

We were invited by M. and Mme. Huffer to see the _entree_. They being
Germans, their decorations surpassed all others. Carpets out of every
window, flags flying, and the German coat of arms placed in every
available spot on their beautiful palace in the Via Nazionale. The
King, accompanied by the Prince of Naples, followed by the Duke of
Genoa, Duc d'Aosta, M. Crispi, Marquis Gravina, and Marquis Guiccioli,
and other notabilities, drove to the station through a double line of
troops on both sides of the street.

The usually dirty waiting-room in the station was hung with tapestries
taken from the Quirinal and the splendid Louis XV. furniture taken from
the beautiful Palace of Caserta.

The train which preceded the Emperor's, decked out with garlands and
flags, came in sight, the traditional red carpet was laid down, the
final orders shouted, and the Imperial train appeared. The soldiers
presented arms, and the military bands struck up the German national
hymn. The King wore the uniform of a general. He advanced to meet his
Imperial guest. They embraced and kissed each other on both cheeks,
then they presented the princes and the different members of their
suites.

The Emperor was in the red uniform of the Hussars and looked very young
and handsome.

In the first _berline_ (as they call the demi-gala blue landaus) were
the Emperor and the King; in the second were the Prince of Naples and
Prince Henry of Prussia (the Emperor's brother); in the third the Duc
d'Aosta and the Duke of Genoa; in the fourth, Count Herbert Bismarck
and the German Ambassador (Count Solms). The other carriages, of which
there must have been ten, contained the military and civil members of
both the sovereigns.

There was a great demonstration in front of the Quirinal Palace. The
Emperor and the King came out on the balcony amid screams of "_Eh!
viva!_" One old man--a German, I suppose--who was covered with medals
shouted at the top of his lungs. "_Hoch!_" hoping to make a sensation,
but the Emperor made no sign that he heard it.

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