MARRIED BY SIGNS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11430, 21 July 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

MARRIED BY SIGNS.

DEAF AND DUMB COUPLE AT THE ALTAR. Ax excited child exclaimed loudly in the middle of the marriage service, and a shocked congregation whipped round to stare; but the bride and bridegroom heeded not, for they were both deaf mutes. At noon on June 7 the vicar of St. George the Martyr. Queen's Square, walked clown the chancel, the Rev. Frederick Gilby, chaplain to the deaf and dumb, pacing by his side. Emily Witcliel, spinster, of Tetbnry, Gloucestershire, stepped up the nave leaning on the arm of the gentleman destined to give her away, while Sidney Walker, of Broadstairs, the bridegroom, took his place by her side. Bride and bridegroom stood up together before the priests, and the vicar in a slow, melodious voice began the recital of the English marriage service. Swiftly the chaplain by his, side- translated the solemn words upon his hands, with little sweeps, and curves, and crooks, and all the while the bride and bridegroom's eyes were fixed upon his twinkling fingers. They came to that portion of the ceremony where bride and bridegroom must go through the responses. Both said" I will" with their fingers, and .they wove man and wife. In the vestry, their friends, also doaf and dumb, assembled and congratulated them in I signs.