ends, who all offer
presents of greater or less value according to the degree of
relationship and friendship. The ring is chosen by the bridegroom in
consultation with the bride. The compare, of his own accord, offers
a present to the couple, more usually he offers it only to the bride.

All this I have told you merely as information with regard to the
customs of my country; it is not necessary for you to give any
present but, if you wish to do so, do as you wish. Wedding presents
are lifelong records of relationship and of friendship.

If I am to speak frankly, loyally and sincerely to you as the friend
I have always been to you, I recommend you to bring some present for
the bride because, as you who have travelled so much must know, in
small places not to receive a present from the compare would be to
provoke the remark among all who talk that the bride and bridegroom
were not complimented by the compare. I tell you this because you
are my dearest friend and not because I wish to be critical. Bring
anything you choose and be sure that whatever may be offered by you
will be accepted by my bride. For me--nothing. I have sufficient in
the thought and the comfort of your friendship.

So I consulted my sister, who recommended me to visit a jeweller's shop.
There is one in Regent Street where I take my sleeve-links to be repaired
when I have the misfortune to break them. She approved and I went and
explained the situation to the young man, who was very kind about it and,
after a few false starts, cordially advised one of a line of gold
pendants much in vogue to be worn with a light chain. He had an
apparently inexhaustible stock, and I became as confused and helpless as
when some change is necessary in my spectacles and the oculist wants to
know whether I see better with this or with that. I have no idea how
long I was there, but in the end I selected a meaningless object of a
design which the young man assured me was original and exclusive, and
which I hoped would appear fairly unobjectionable to the recipient.
After which, not being at all content to leave Berto resting solely on
the thought and comfort of my friendship, I chose for him a dozen silver
teaspoons. My sister, to whom I showed these articles, approved and, of
her own unprompted generosity, added a piece of Irish lace as a special
gift from herself to the bride, though she is u