Part 21 (2/2)

(_Recovering himself with an effort._) Surely, surely. But the married women have not blessed us yet. (_Taking the bride's hand and leading her to the blanket. They seat themselves._) Come, Tiawa, have you no pine nuts in your basket? (_With an effort to carry it off jovially._) What! will you have my wife dig roots before her wedding year is out?

(_The married women take up their baskets and begin the ceremony of sprinkling the bride with nuts and seeds in token of fruitfulness._)

THE CHISERA

(_Warningly._) Simwa! Simwa!

(_The women leave off, huddling together, looking fearfully at the_ CHISERA.)

SEEGOOCHE

(_Getting between her and_ BRIGHT WATER.) What harm to you, Chisera, if the Arrow-Maker weds where he loves?

THE CHISERA

(_Looking steadily at_ SIMWA.) Aye--where he loves--(_Pleadingly._) Simwa! Simwa!

(_She drops her blanket and turns away._)

SEEGOOCHE

(_Lifting her basket to her shoulder again._) Let us go on with the marriage.

PADAHOON

(_To the company._) If the Chisera knows any reason why this marriage should not go on, should she not say it openly? A word half spoken breeds suspicion faster than flies at killing time.

CHIEF

What talk is this of reasons? Have I not the disposing of my daughter in marriage? Reason enough, if I wish it so.

PADAHOON

That which is most reasonable to men, the G.o.ds see otherwise.

(_A murmur begins in the camp, but_ SIMWA _takes it up instantly._)

SIMWA

He is thinking of the war with Castac. Truly, you were not eye to eye with the G.o.ds on that occasion, Padahoon.

PADAHOON

Were I so sure it was of the G.o.ds, I had not stood out so against it.

CHIEF

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