HOW TO GET A WIFE IN INDIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1369, 9 April 1881, Page 3

HOW TO GET A WIFE IN INDIA.

When a man in a decent rank of life wishes to marry, and can prove that he possesses the means, of maintaining a wife, it is customary for him to apply to the mistress of the Byculla School, state his wishes and qualifications, and inquire into the number and character of the marriageahle girls. An investigation immediately follows as to eligibility ; and if all promises satisfactorily, he is fort • with invited to drink tea with the schoolmistress upon an appointed evening, to give him an opportunity of making his selection. The elder girls 'are then informed of his intended visit and its purport; and those who desire' to enter the matrimonial lists come forward and signify their wish to join the party. Frequently four or five competitors make their appoarance oh these occasions Jin the mistress' room T;He gentleman, while doing his best to make himself universally agreeable, yet contrives, in the course of the evening, to mark his preference for one particular lady. Should these Bymptons of budding affection, he favorably received, he tenders his proposals in due form on the following morning. But it often occurs that the selected lady does not participate in the inamorata's sudden flame, in which case she is at perfect liberty to decline the honor of his alliance and reserve herself for the next tea-party exhibition. We have known an instance when an amorous old gentleman from an out-station presented himself three successive times at these soirees, in the hope of obtaining a wife to cKeer the solitude of his up-country residence, but all iv vain ; the young ladies unanimously rejected him with the highest disdain, "how such a ugly old fellow could have the impudence to think of a wife ?"' But a very different reception is given to the dashing young sergeant or smart-looking conductor ; there attentions are never repulsed, and the announcement of the "chosen intendeds," as Miss Squeers would say, is anticipated with the utmost impatience by many an anxious young heart. The wedding speedily follows, the bride's modest "trousseau" being provided from the funds of tho etablishment, and every girl in the school cheerfully contributes her aid in the manufacture of the dresses. — Life in Bombay.