220 
A NATIVE WEDDING, 
we were shown the bridal chamber, which quite 
took us aback. Flowing lace curtains and clouds 
of coloured tarlatan spread half over this room of 
bamboo walls, while pure white flowers wreathed 
the mirrors and the many pretty ornaments, such 
as adorn a European lady’s bedroom. 
The ceremony took place at noon next day 
before the civil magistrate, and about seven 
o’clock we attended, in evening dress, the recep- 
tion given by the bride and bridegroom in the 
house of the bride’s father. They stood in front 
of an elegantly adorned sofa, on an elaborate mat, 
and shook hands with their visitors, who repre- 
sented almost the entire population of Amboina. 
Europeans, natives, both high and low, along 
with the princes of an imperial house suf- 
fering banishment in Amboina, and Chinese of 
high rank, pressed forward to offer congratula- 
tions in the same grave manner in which they 
were received. The bride wore a rich white 
satin dress, made in the old Dutch style, with 
all the detail of gloves, fan, &c,, while her breast 
and hair were covered with diamonds and other 
jewels in native setting. Her coiffure was ex- 
traordinary, and rather unbecoming, but ber 
tout ensemble was very neat indeed, and one can 
imagine the pains and scheming used by her 
