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.
Chinese crackers increase in noisesomeness. Groom puts Bride in her
chair of beauty and takes his own chair of plainness behind her.
The Wedding Procession proceeds. At head comes Bride with her red
lacquer Chests, Boxes, Bathtubs and Household utensils, each borne on
poles by Coolies.
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