Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/417

right one. “Is this the one which your godson wishes for,” inquires the father, as, with his daughter by the hand, he comes forth into the parlor. “This one,” replied the spokesman, politely, “would certainly make my godson very happy, but—it is not she who is the object of his choice.” The young girl, who, having been offered, is thus refused, then goes out with her father, who returns with another young maiden by the hand, and says, “This one is perhaps she who has taken your godson's fancy?” “This," replies the godfather, “will make some other man happy; but neither is it she whose hand we desire.” The father retires, and comes in again, with a fresh one, who is complimented out of the room in the same way. If the father does not happen to have more than one daughter of his own, he will borrow some daughters for the occasion. “I myself,” said the lively lady, laughing, who related this custom to me, “have many a time been offered and refused in the same way.” Sometimes the father, if he be fond of a joke, will offer a young girl who is already betrothed, and whose lover is amongst the company present. He then steps forth with a protest against this attempt, or “mistake.” At length, however, the right bride is brought forth, who is dressed, however, in her girlish attire. The father then asks, “Is this the right one?” “Yes,” replies the godfather, “that is right!” On which the father answers, “Very good! I give her to you with honor and good repute, and I beseech of you, that you will maintain her with the same; and in particular that you will preserve her from evil" (que vous la preservez de tort,) a strong emphasis being