Sketches From Oldest America 



to tell what a great hunter her son is and how good 

 he is. Then mother number two remarks that her 

 daughter is such a good sewer and knows how to 

 chew a beautiful boot sole. Mother number one 

 declares that they are never hungry in their iglo, as 

 son is always so successful and brings lots of seals 

 home. Mother number two now remarks that 

 daughter is such a lovely cook, having taken lessons 

 and knows how to cook everything. (At the same 

 time, she may consider herself fortunate if she has 

 half a sack of China flour in the house.) The con 

 versation continues for a while, each mother trying 

 to present her side in its most favorable light. 



The father now arriving, and being suspicious of 

 what is taking place, will naturally try to be as 

 agreeable as possible. He will relate some old 

 story that has been doing duty in the tribe for a 

 number of generations. Of course the women 

 gather around and listen with a great deal of inter 

 est, as if it was entirely new to them. Returning 

 to business, it is decided that the young man shall 

 enter the family on a sort of trial. If the girl turns 

 up her nose and makes faces, he might as well 

 leave, as the match will never amount to anything; 

 but should she greet him with an occasional smile 

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