I did not know that my heretic feet must not enter the sanctuary,--that my woman's robe must not brush the seats of learning.
"The Father's refusal was seen in his face at once, and I felt that I had done something highly improper.

The Father said that he would have been most happy to have me visit him, but he had not the power--it was a religious institution--he had already applied to his superior, who was not willing to grant permission--the power lay with the Holy Father or one of his cardinals.

I was told that Mrs.Somerville, the most learned woman in all Europe, had been denied admission; that the daughter of Sir John Herschel, in spite of English rank, and the higher stamp of Nature's nobility, was at that time in Rome, and could not enter an observatory which was at the same time a monastery.
"If I had before been mildly desirous of visiting the observatory, I was now intensely anxious to do so.

Father Secchi suggested that I should see Cardinal Antonelli in person, with a written application in my hand.
This was not to be thought of--to ask an interview with the wily cardinal! FROM A LETTER TO HER FATHER.
...

I am working to get admitted to see the observatory, but it cannot be done without special permission from the pope, and I don't like to be "presented." If I can get permission without the humbug of putting on a black veil and receiving a blessing from Pius, I shall; but I shrink from the formality of presentation.