MALAY SKETCHES
participation in the fêtes and pleasures of Malay society, is looked upon as a jealous, ill-conditioned person.
Malays are extremely particular about questions of rank and birth, especially when it comes to marriage, and mésalliances, as understood in the West, are with them very rare.
The general characteristics of Malay women, especially those of gentle birth, are powers of 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 language offers, and they use uncommon words and expressions, the meanings of which are 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 developing a pretty taste for horses, carriages, and whatever conduces to luxury and display, though, in their houses, there
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