Page:Islam, Turkey, and Armenia, and How They Happened.djvu/95

Rh have a special purpose, and, the Lord willing, a good purpose, and we are sure that you will not disappoint us." The girl's friends must never show themselves acquainted with the said purpose or anxious for its discussion; therefore, must always repeat the same general words of welcome and friendship, until the representative of the young man opens the question and says, "Mr. , by the will of God we came to beg your favor in giving your noble daughter, Mary, to your servant, our son James. We expect that you will not refuse our proposal and send us away disappointed." After sone formal hesitation and repetitions of the proposal the question is referred to the oldest member of the young woman's family, who says, "You are welcome a thousand times, if it is the Lord's will, may it be blessed for us all." This answer being equal to "yes," is responded to with great joy and congratulations, and the young woman being called in, the presents of the young man—pieces of gold coins, heavy embroidered handkerchiefs, a gold ring, etc.—presented to her. Her silent acceptance of these things is regarded the sign of her consent for the contract, after which the priest rehearses some words of prayer and vows in behalf of the contractors, then a good supper is served. In larger towns the young man may accompany the friends for the ceremony of engagement. Between the times of engagement and wedding the couple do not see nor write to each other—only the parents give visits on special days, as Christmas and Easter, or other occasions, and send presents to each