Page:Walter Matthew Gallichan - Women under Polygamy (1914).djvu/194

 by his secretary, officials, several physicians and servants. One after another the eager girls were paraded under the direction of one of the principal doctors. They were ordered to display their bosoms, legs and arms, and to let loose their tresses. A severe scrutiny of the teeth followed. The girls were then commanded to stoop, walk, and show how they smiled. At a nod of their future owner's head, they were selected, and the secretary wrote down their names. The parents, who stood by, were told that the girl must be at the harem on the following morning.

Gleeful congratulations were showered upon the happy, smiling maidens who were chosen. They were complimented and flattered by their relatives and friends. The rejected damsels retired in groups, and throwing themselves on the ground, wept and groaned for their bitter misfortune. They knew that this want of success would seriously deteriorate their value.

In the future it would be difficult to remove this stigma of uncomeliness. Rich men would not want them; they were destined to marry a poor man of their own class. Not for them were the luxuries, the gifts, and the pleasures of the harem life. Consoled by their companions, they dispersed, sore at heart and crying. Very early the next morning the fortunate girls hastened to the palace and presented themselves.