Page 24 - Malay sketches

MALAY SKETCHES

in the fetes and of
participation pleasures Malay
is looked as a ill-conditioned
society, upon jealous,
person.
Malays are extremely particular about questions
of rank and birth, especially when it comes to
marriage, and mesalliances, as understood in the
West, are with them very rare.
The general characteristics of Malay women,
those of are of
especially gentle birth, powers
intelligent conversation, quickness in repartee, a
strong sense of humour and an instant appreciation
of the real meaning of those hidden sayings which
are hardly ever absent from their conversation.
They are fond of reading such literature as their
and use uncommon words and
language offers, they
the of which are
expressions, meanings hardly
known to men. For the telling of secrets, they
have several modes of speech not understanded of
the people.
They are generally amiable in disposition, mildly
sometimes fiercely jealous, often extravagant
and, up to about the age of forty, evince an
increasing fondness for jewellery and smart clothes.
In these latter days they are a
developing pretty
and whatever conduces
taste for horses, carriages,
to luxury and display, though, in their houses, there