MARRIAGES WITH THE B.E.F.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 306, 14 September 1918, Page 5

MARRIAGES WITH THE B.E.F.

"Our sergeant is marrying a little Frenchie to-day 1 Wonder what Ilia folks in Blighty will say?" exclaimed tho orderly of a Church Army hut in France. Are the girls of Britain aware that many a French wife will preside over our Tommies' households after the war? I peeped in at the wooden church adjoining just in time to see a well-set-up young soldier standing at the altar witn a smart, dainty little French mam'selle by his side. Two stripes, more especially three, have a great attraction! Coached well in her part, tho bride answered without. a trace of nervousness, with a pretty French accent. A good number of French relatives were present. Marriage is a serious business in France. Every French »irl lias her dot, small or large, as the case may bo, la England a funeral is far better, attended by tho working classes than a wedding. In villages especially tho country folk come in crowds to speed some poor soul out of the world into j the Great Boyond, but stay at liome 1 when they ought to wish couples "Godspeed" on their marriage. In France it is different. There are the bride's dot antd other family affairs to be discussed. !

Again, the bride's parents will not give their consent to tho union before learning the man's character. How do they manage about the character and antecedents of our Tommies? They will find out from the vicar of the parish or village where Tommy resides or write to the mayor or even to the police. ' If the report be favourable, then little Lisette is enjbraced, kissed, and loaded with offerings of lingerie and things dainty and chic,for her trousseau. Yet Lisette's troubles are not over. M. lo Ouro is announced. . ' "What! Our sweet Lisette is gwiig to marry a heretio!" lie exclaims, "All! le bon Diou knows these English soldieTS are admirable, but consider! They are not sons of Holy Mother Church." Lisetto and her parents aro adamant. Mother Ohurcli lias lost much of her influonce. Still, poor Lisette'promises aftor the civil marriago at tho rnririo to have a religions ceremony at bcr owji church, while her fiancee insists on being really married by his own C.F. The result is that at tho end of her wedding day poor Lisette is in a fainting condition and her sergeant "hubby" bored to death and very grumpy. Are these mixed marriages a success? It depends on the mother-in-law's reception and many othea things at Lome in Bligthy.—"Country Parson" in the "Daily Mail."