ASKING HER.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15112, 22 December 1921, Page 2

ASKING HER.

VARIOUS METHODS. A TYROLEAN CUSTOM.' Tyrolean lassies are never asked to marry in words. The aspiring swain brings with him to the house of the girl's parents a bottle of wine, the sight of which proclaims his errand. The family gather round in solemn conclave, and the suitor calls for a glass, filling it with wine, and offering it to the object of his affections. The girl will not refuse the glass point blank, unless she wishes to insult the aspiring one. But if for any reason she considers his proposal premature or unacceptable, she makes some excuse for not drinking. ' " To let him down lightly and give hope of better luck in days to come, the maid will confess that she would like to drink, but for some reason cannot do so at present. When she likes the lad and has the courage to admit it, she takes- the proffered glass, and drains it to the dregs, whereupon arrangements for the marriage ceremony are discussed. But should even a drop of the wine be spilled.during the silent proposal, it is regarded as a most unhappy omen, and may cause the parents to object to the union. "They have spilled the wine between them," is said of & marriage that turns out unhappily. In South Africa, when a young Boer goes a-wooing, he sticks a feather in his cap and takes to the house of his chosen one a candle. On arriving at her home, the family, knowing his errand, gather round,, while he, in silence, offers the candle to the girl. If she declines to take it, the rejection is final. If she takes it, but does not light it, the suitor may try again in the future. But to accept and light the candle means acceptance, and then the girl's mother hastily searches for a pin to stick into the candle. Until the candle burns down to the pin the young people may remain together in privacy, and make their arrangements. Before their conversion by Danish missionaries, the men of Greenland claimed wives by right of conquest, but now they propose by proxy. The male lover goes to the missionary and tells of his need of a wife. "Who is she?" asEs the missionary. The man names the object of his affection. "Have you asked whether she is willing?" "No, not yet-," "Why not?" "It is difficult. Girls are prudish. You must ask for me!" Accepting the role of matchmaker, the missionary sends for the girl, and tells her it is time she was married, enlarging upon the disadvantage of becoming an old maid. Usually the girl replies that she has no idea of marrying just yet. "That is rather a pity," says 4he missionary, "because I've had an applicant for your hand." Overcome by feminine curiosity, she demands to know who it is, and is told. Then, no matter how she feels towards the man, feminine inconsistency and pique nearly always prompt some disparaging remark. "Him! Why, he's no \good! I wouldn't have him at any price!" And so the ice is broken.