BETROTHAL AND WEDDING BINGS 233
kneels
before the bride with uplifted head, the French motto reading " A Elle
Toujours " (" Forever Hers") ; on the reverse is a church altar. Under
this is a plaque, enclosing which are roses, oak-leaves and acorns.
A
type of ring of occasional use, not distantly related to the wedding
ring, comprises the so-called "pacifying," or teething rings,
generally made of ivory, rubber or celluloid, and large enough for one
or two fingers of a child. Diagonally on the hoop is a flat, circular
piece of the same material as that of which the ring is made, and which
prevents it from slipping into the mouth of the child. Upon this flat
piece is mounted a small bit of rubber or ivory for the child to suck
or bite upon, to develop its teeth, or at least to keep it quiet.
What
might be called a " Latitude and Longitude Ring," would be an
attractive memento of engagement and marriage. There would be a narrow
band showing, around it, a degree of latitude marked with longitudes,
and having a small star at the place where the parties became engaged,
and a double star at the spot where they were married.
A
few appropriate inscriptions on modern engagement rings are as
follows: " Our engagement "; " My love to thine "; " To her who merits
all my love "; " To my Pet "; " To my ' Chiquita ' from Bill," this
last in Spanish. In a more serious vein we have: " Time-Eternity," and
" Perfect love casteth out fear." Occasionally there is a note of
sadness, as appears in the inscription: " Faithful, but unliappy." A
ring bearing the words " Stick to me, my darling " may show that the
fiancé was a trifle distrustful of his lady love's constancy ; another
who sets in his ring " Firm and True " makes us infer that he had more
faith. The three words " Bessie sweet sixteen " show that early
engagements
