Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/330

312 Whilst we were inspecting this apartment, we were startled by the din of voices, followed by the sound of music, which, from its peculiar character, was too near to be agreeable. " The bride is come," said Drahman. The crowd was so great that it was some minutes before we could catch a glimpse of her. Our curiosity was at length gratified, while they were pouring water upon her small, naked feet. After this ceremony an elderly man who, I was informed, was one of her relatives, carried her in his arms to the inner room, and placed her on the platform, where she sat down on the left side of the bridegroom, who had followed her in. She had a rather pleasing expression, but was much disfigured by a yellow dye with which her face, neck, shoulders, and arms were covered, and which effectually concealed her blushes.

Her dress was very simple, consisting solely of a long sarong, of fine batek, passing under both arms