The Holbrook news., 1912-01-19

A% forts of missionaries to do
 W@ away with the custom AS soon as child is born it is promised contracted parties die before the full hllment of the contract it is again the parents who decide and enter into new engagement
 Mohammedan influence has affected woman's life to the extent that girls are secluded from the age of twelve, and even Christians do not attend mass. since 1t entails appearance in public. The betrothal is as binding as marriage itself, and should it be broken swift vengeance is wrecked on the entire family of the troth breaker.
 Some days before the wedding day the bridegroom sends presents to the bride, consisting of a helman or dia- dem, piece of cloth covered with pearls, spangles and coral beads; boots and slippers of yellow leather embroidered in gold and boxes of sweetmeats. These presents, called the dunti are carried in state by two members of the young mans family, who are received with much solemnity by the heads of the brides family.
 PreIimInaries of Wedding Day.
 The dunti is placed on a table in the best room and all gather around 1t to admire and say the words Per heirl" (good luck). The envoys are then invited to sit and partake of cof- fee, liquors and various sweets, while their hosts remain standing and pre- serve a silence indicative of respect. The most rigorous poIiteness prevails on both sides throughout the visit and topics of usual interest are avoided as out of place.
 On the eve of the momentous day she is dressed in all her finery and the entire neighborhood flocks to survey and criticise those who had charge of her toilet Whatever her personal de fects says the Queen. she herself is admired as beautiful and good; but comments on the manner of her ad- justment are freely pronounced, and the responsible matrons have to stand by impassively and hear themselves blamed.
 -I1 anu al . AOW o0- mitted to behold her. and to these she kneels, asking pardon for any past neglect of her duty or any offense she may have given. Sobs and expres- sions of affection are the reply and there is an exchange of endearments between her and each member of her family. The feasting and rejoicing now begin in earnest and the guests de part only when the night Is far spent. The bridegroom retires early in or der to prepare for the fatigues of the next day.
 At five o'clock in the morning the bridegrooms house is invaded by his friends, each bringing present. which mostly takes the shape of provisions of coffee and sugar The brides pres ents consist of silk handkerchiefs and pieces of gold. The latter are added to the collar of coins worn by Alban- ian women and girls and constituting their chief adornment and banking account
 With all her fnery and sometimes that of her relatives piled on her the bride stands like an idol in a corner of the room. Her hands are crossed upon her breast. her eyes cast down. her breath is restrained as far as pos sible and the whole effect is mummy like Two matrons watch over her while her female acquaintances defile 1 before her, scrutinizing every inch of | her apparel from head to foot. Then | they sit around her in a semi-circle to continue the stare in silence.
 Reluctantly Leaves Home.
 A wagon carries the brides belong ings, incased in a huge yellow box to | her future home. At the same time | a procession leaves the bridegroom's hCuse leading a richly caparisoned horse for the conveyance of the bride.