Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/163

 the first betrothal. By this ceremony she passes from the ranks of the vioran (from vio, a bud, whence viora, a budding beauty) to the ranks of the zeruan (from zer, a hand, whence zeru, a clasped hand, and zerua, a plighted maiden). The ceremony takes place in the presence of all members of both families that can at all conveniently attend. Rings are exchanged; and, for the first time, he gives her a kiss. They part immediately, not to meet again for, probably, a full year."