Miss Hope was a Grace without any care,
Hoping a Husband to her would repair;
Her thinks troubled not. She hoped he'd be there,
But how he would come was not her affair.
Charity said: "Each our part we must bear,
If we are to Marry. Men quickly scare.
We must decide on the Time, Who and Where.
Get up and get busy; Each, Do and Dare."
Each Grace went her way a riding her mare.
Hope rode on Hopings. Miss Faith rode her Prayer.
Still they ride on and at Charity glare;
Her Wedding took place 'mid trumpetings blare.
The Moral is plain and not at all rare.
Just praying and hoping failed for that pair.
Be Up and Be Doing. Yourself never Tare,
If ever a Husband you wish to ensnare.
With the shining of the Sun while yet the Moon has not gone to sleep, we six Chinese girls of the graduating class to which Cui Ai once belonged and now belongs not, come unto her room to adorn her for her marriage.
We have friendly quarrellings over the red slippers of so great smallness, which she has made herself - as to who shall place them on her tiny feet - also we snatch at hair-pins and bracelets, to be No. 1 aid at dressings.
Cui Ai pays scanty heed to the admonitions which her paid attendant is all time speeching unto her, but is full of cheerfulness at which we have much marvelings. At last, attendant place red wedding-veil on head and we fasten many brooches upon red wedding-gown. Over the bride's small hands Bing Ding slips jade bracelets and all is in placement.
The Mistress of Ceremonies (Miss Powers) enters and taking Cui Ai by hand, leads her into garden; we follow at distance of most respectfulness. Down the path they walk, past the wonderful red chair all of one blossom, even the poles covered with vines and flowers, and up the Chapel steps.
Inside Chapel, Miss Powers lead Cui Ai to altar where wait Groom and
Minister, while Miss Sterling all time play Wedding March of Honorable
Mendelssohn.
Outside Chapel, Chinese band play and friends fire crackers with so great noisesomeness that we can but hear Minister's word like whisperings. Whisperings cease, and Bride and Groom make proceedings down aisle side by side; Miss Powers at back, while Miss Sterling play Wedding March from Honorable Lohengrin.