St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1890-04-05
HINDo0 olRL-sRlOES
The Wedding Cart Of One Of These Draw
-.. by White DullOrDgS.

1865. by White BullOebgs. ..
There was much excitement and some
iamentation In the home of q native
banker of the upper provinces Of India
when the day arrived which was to see
his only daughter, Nsreena, sent away
from tie parental roof to the guardian
ship Of her husbands parents, who were
to complete her education.
The little bride had been contracted
In marriage ever since she was fve years
old, and according to Hindoo custom she
should have been sent to her new homo
at about eleven or twelve years OF age,
but her parents could not part with
their beloved one SO soon, and it. was
only now, At the age Of fourteen, that
with tears and blessings they consented
to let her 60. 80.
No wonder that there should be some
weeping. The young Nareena had never
even seen the boy-bridegroom who
awaited her arrival, and although the
distance which would divide her from
her parents was only fifty miles. she
would probably never see her mother
again. Hindoo women OF good estate
rarely leave their houses, even on visit
to their nearest relatives.
The conveyance in which the little
maiden Travelled in was long cart with
. canopy Of thickly-wadded cloth, the
interior being taatefully. lined and deco
rated, while the vehicle vas drawn by
huge snow-white bullocks, their horns
and hoofs dyed red. blue or yellow, and
their bodies adorned with snowy trap
pings of scarlet and gold. --........
p Several other carriages containing her
retinue' Of servants preceded the bride
by short distance, but the young girl,
splendidly dressed and glittering with
armlets and chains Of gold. sat alone in
her wedding car. It was Ave o'clock in
the afternoon, and the great heat Of the
day had passed, when at length the
marriage procession moved away and
began the journey Of fifty miles.
They travelled slowly all night,
halting in the morning beneath the
shade of . grove Of mango trees. Here
the young HindOo lady was served
with breakfast, and here she rested till
the cooler hours Of the evening would
permit her to resume her Journey.
Nareena was beautiful young Great
are, her dark eyes fringed with long
lsshes, her features delicate, and her
complexion fairer than most Of her
country women, but it would have
shocked her greatly to have been seen.
The young bride remembered her up
bringing, and while peeping forth she
concealed herself behind her
wa6ded curtains.
At four o'clock the cavalcade again
set out, expecting to arrive at their
about Ave o'clock on the fol-
lowing morning. They had not gone
far ON their way when they overlook
very old woman, crying bitterly. and
overcome either by illness
or fatigue.
Nareena's attendants passed this dis
tressed old woman with perfect uncon-
cern. though night was drawing on, and
she was all alone. but the gentle little
bride was filled with compassion.
Mother, do not weep" said the little
lady. II am going to Muttra. and you
shall 60 with me. Get into the car
riage." ..-..l .s-
The weary old creature was eloquent
in her gratitude. As she entered the
vehicle she kissed the feet Of the bride,
and wished her every blessing Of the
state.
MAY your throne be perpetual" she
said; may your children give you Joy:
may you Be the mother Of line Of
kings" Then again kissing the feet Of
the young girl, she took her seat as di
rected in the wedding car.
At length, - 1t grew dark, Nareena
became sleepy and composed herself to
rest, kindly bestowing w'added cover
let upon her old dcompanion, who crouch. |
ed herself down after the manner Of ma
tive women In corner. gently shampoo |
Ing the limbs of the young lady till Ma |
reena fell into sound and refreshing
n. Y. Morning Journal.