The Globe-republican., 1890-02-12
HlNDOO ciRL-BRloES.


The Wedding Cart Of One Of These Dra~s
by White BuMqcks,
There vas much excitement and some
lamentation in the home of a native
banker of the upper provinces of India
when the day arrived which was to see
his only daughter, Nareena, sent away
from the 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 five years
old. and according TO Hindoo custom she
should have been sent to her new home
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 go.
No wonder that there should be some
weeping. The young Nareena had never
even seen the 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. IIindoo women of good estate
rarely leave their houses, eveneu visit
to their nearest relatives.
The conveyance in which the little
maiden travelled in was long cart NTH
a canopy of thickly-wadded cloth. tho
interior being tastefully lined and deco
rated, while the vehicle was drawn by
huge snow-white bullocks, their horns
,,,I l.. g, H.
their bodies adorned with SNOWY trap
pings of scarlet and gold.
Several other carriages containing her
retinue of servants preceded the bride
~ short distance. but the young girl,
splendidly dressed and glittering with
armlets and chains of gold. sat alone in
her wedding car. 1t was five o'clock in
the afternoon. and the great heat of tho
day had passed, when at length the
marriage procession moved away and
began thesiourney of fifty miles.
They travelled slowly all night,
hating in the morning beneath the
shade of a 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 a beautiful young Great
ure. her dark eyes fringed with long
lashes, 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
carefully concealed herself behind her
wadded curtains.
At four o'clock the Cavalcade again
set out. expecting To arrive at their
destination about five o'clock on the fol-
lowing morning. They had not gone
far on their way when they overlook a
very old woman, crying bitterly. and
apparently overcome either by illness
or fatigue.
Nareena's attendants passed this, dis
tressed old woman with perfect uncOu-
Germ, 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. 81 am going to Muttra, and you
shall go with me. Get into the car
riage."
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
married 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, as it grew dark, Nareena
became sleepy and composed herself tc
rest, kindly bestowing a wadded cover.
let upon her old companion. who crouch
ed herself down after the manner of ma
tive women IN a corner. gently shampoo
ing the limbs of the young lady till Ma
reena fell into sound and refreshing
slumber.-Cor. n. Y. Morning Journal.