As we could not see the brides' faces, we arranged them according to symmetry and apparent propriety, placing the tall bride by the tall groom, and the two short ones together.

After the introductory prayer, I proceeded to deliver a somewhat full and practical address on the nature of marriage, and the duties and relations of husband and wife, as is our custom in Syria, not only for the instruction of the newly married pair, but for the good of the community.

No Methodist exhorter ever evoked more hearty responses, than did this address, from the Hums populace.

"That is true." "That is news in _this_ city." "Praise to God." _Mashallah!_ A woman exclaimed on hearing of the duties of husband to wife, "Praise to God, women are something after all!" I then turned to the two pairs, and commenced asking Ibrahim the usual question, "Do you" (etc., etc.,) when a woman screamed out, "Stop, stop, Khowadji, you have got the wrong bride by that man.

He is to marry the short girl!" Then followed an explosion of laughter, and during the confusion we adjusted the matter satisfactorily.