Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/167

 several years in this interchange of intimate thought had the effect of making the one in reality the intellectual complement of the other. After this course of mutual training, a young couple on their wedding morning already understood and appreciated each other to a degree now rarely attained during a long wedded life, except, perhaps, in a few fortunate exceptions to the general rule. Our ideal of marriage is, no doubt, greatly in advance of that of any former age. Friendship among men, in the ancient acceptation of the term, is practically extinct. Among several causes for this, the chief one is, that men have, to a great degree, learned to look to their wives for that sympathy and confidential advice once sought from some chosen friend. The next step will be, the attainment of that intellectual companionship now so rarely found. It is found, however, and will be found in an ever-increasing proportion, till it become the normal type of wedded life.

Nor was the zerdar shut out from the pleasures of a refined society. All being equal in family and education, there were no barriers to social intercourse. Zerdars occupied, in fact, much the same social position as the officers of a garrison among us; supposing, at the same time, that all said officers are young, handsome, and well-bred.

All wore a handsome uniform; the years of service, and hence the official rank, being indicated by the different colors of the edging to the tunic. Those under betrothal were easily distinguished by the engagement ring, which they were expected to wear on all occasions. Besides, with the great facilities for communication by telephone,