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Show THE ENGAGED IN ITALY - The betrothed in Italy are never left alone for one moment. They may not even sit side by side in company, and a third person must always take part in their conversation. When out for a walk they must not go arm in arm. As for a kiss, not even the tips of the nails may be touched until after the church and State have firmly bound together the poor lovers. The severity is no compliment to Italy; on the contrary, it is mistrust carried to excess, and the young people rebel against it. Still, when they become fathers and mothers they perpetuate the custom. It may be that this extreme reserve before marriage engenders that after marriage liberty which in turn becomes a matter of wonder to more prosaic nations. -Cor. New York ??? |