184 Col. Macxenzir on Hindu and Mahommedan Marriage Ceremonies. 
with her eyes shut, and during that period she must not on any account 
whatever look at or converse with any one. On the fourth day her hus- 
band’s relations and her own family come to visit her; they lift up her veil, 
look at her, and make her presents in money and jewels according to their 
means. A few days after this the bride’s mother sends her servants and 
other women with sweetmeats, and to invite her and her husband to her 
house; these persons remain that night at the bridegroom’s house, and con- 
duct him and his wife in the morning to her mother, with whom they remain 
nine days. On the morning of the tenth day the bridegroom’s father sends 
his relations with presents of sweetmeats to the bride’s mother; these per- 
sons stay two days, and then return with the bride and bridegroom, pro- 
vided the bride’s mother consents to her departure ; if not, she remains with 
her mother for as long a time as may be agreed to by her husband. 
The natives of India often expend such immense sums of money on the 
marriage of their children, that their families are reduced to poverty and 
distress. 
