CHAPTER I

MARRIAGE

Marriage, its realist character and its difficulties—The aim of marriage not personal satisfaction—The girl married blindfold—The father—Marriageable age—Interviews—Reflections of the father—Ideas of the bridegroom elect—His physical and moral criterion—His uneasiness—Final crisis—Ideas of Michelangelo and Raphael—Marriage ceremonies and festivities—Weddings at Naples, Florence, and Venice—Behind the scenes—Weddings in France—Brides’ journeys—Moral aspects. Pages 21-44