218 CHOICE OP WIVES OFFERED. Chap. XIII. 
which made some of them shake their wise heads, 
and evidently conclude that something was wrong 
with my “ upper story.” As all this was going 
on, the usual questions were put concerning my 
country, my age, and whether I was single or 
married. Many a goodhumoured joke was, no 
doubt, passed round amongst them at my expense ; 
but as my knowledge of the language was very 
limited, it amused them without doing me any 
harm. Then the good ladies wanted my opinion 
regarding themselves, and one after another was 
laughingly brought forward — married and single 
without distinction — and proposed as a helpmate. 
I took all this in good part, and eventually my 
visitors were reminded it was time to go back 
to their devotions. Then came a long series of 
“ He hes ” and polite bowings, with many expres- 
sions of thanks, and I was left alone in my temple. 
