On occasions when some of the gentlemen present would rather not be amongst the aspirants, it is amusing to see them retire behind the others, hoping to escape without offence against the rules of good breeding.  Should one of these be called by the lady superior, he will probably give himself awkward airs, and endeavour to be as little engaging as possible.  The maiden generally looks modest and blushing, and needs the assistance of the lady superior, who is not unfrequently obliged to represent her in conversation.

Before a week has elapsed the maiden of the star has generally intimated by look, who is likely to be the selected one.  Sometimes, however, she is fickle, and when one, encouraged by her expressive glance, has paid her court, she will encourage another and another, and another,—­for on these occasions she has full liberty of action.

It is amusing to see the efforts of pretenders, and the expression put on, whilst overwhelming the lady with amiabilities when her thoughts and perhaps her glances lie in another direction.  She in turn may be obliged to use all her power to attract the one she desires to select.  If she be a coquette, each one of many will think that he himself is the fortunate swain on whom her choice will fall.  The doubts existing in these instances cause great excitement and amusement, and between the meetings pearls against rubies, diamonds against diamonds, and other precious stones are staked on the event.

Great is the agitation on the thirty-first evening, when the maiden is expected to declare on whom her choice has fallen.  She proclaims it by presenting the chosen one with an appropriate flower, and thus is spared the pain of a verbal declaration.  A band of music then announces by a particular and well-known strain that the choice is made, and a march is played, to the measure of which the chosen one leads his intended to a throne on a slightly raised dais.

Each of the gentlemen then approaches, successively presenting to the maiden a flower,[1] which he lays on the table in front of the dais, wishing her at the same time happiness and joy.

     [Footnote 1:  See p. 126.]

The lady will perhaps kiss the flower presented when anxious to show regard for the giver, whom, however, she has not been able to choose.  This ceremony of presenting flowers having been concluded, the future bride and bridegroom lead the way to the banqueting-room.

On the evening following, a meeting of three hours’ duration takes place between the chosen one and the maiden, who is accompanied by the lady superior of the marriage council.  The two converse, and if after mutual explanation anything incongruous is found, either party is at liberty to object, and the marriage does not take place; but if the three hours pass without objection no further question can be raised.  The two are then looked upon as betrothed, and after a certain interval the marriage takes place.