where the guardian--her brother in this case--received me. A party of gentlemen were in the room, and they all rose as I entered. After the usual salutations a chair was offered me: the rest seated themselves cross-legged round the room. I made a formal proposal in the name of my subordinate, and a discussion followed. I was surprised at the free and open way in which they said the man for whom I was making the proposal was a rascal and a liar, and that he had not the money he said he had. There was no delicate hinting that, perhaps, they had erred in assuming his fortune was such and such. I naturally anticipated a refusal; no, out of respect for me, he was accepted! Then a large tray of loaf sugar broken into pieces was brought in, and first I and the guardian, then the others, ate a little, and the rest was given to the servants. After that we had tea, and I rode off home again, where the anxious lover was waiting for me. I said, “They called you very bad names.” “That matters little;” said he, “did you eat the sugar?” “Yes,” I said. “Ah! then all is well! the other is a custom.” The actual ceremony of marriage is performed at the house of the bridegroom, though there is often a reception at the bride’s house afterwards--not that you see the bride or any other ladies. The father, guardian, or brothers receive you. At the marriage ceremony the amount of dower is first discussed and settled, and then the priest formally enquires, first of the bridegroom then of the bride’s legal representative, whether they each agree to the marriage. On receiving an answer in the affirmative he pronounces a few short prayers and blessings, remaining seated while he does so, and the ceremony is concluded; sometimes, also, rings are exchanged. Then comes the reception of guests at the bride’s house.