Meanwhile maidens with large baskets ran about among the spectators, distributing meat, roasted ears of corn, sheets of bread, and guavas.
So the gayety went on until the sun and the visitors alike withdrew.
"After all, I think it is more interesting than our marriages," declared Aunt Maria.

"I wonder if we ought to make presents to the wedded couples.
There are a good many of them." She was quite amazed when she learned that this was not a wedding, but a rain-dance, and that the maidens whom she had admired were boys dressed up in female raiment, the customs of the Moquis not allowing women to take part in public spectacles.
"What exquisite delicacy!" was her consolatory comment.

"Well, well, this is the golden age, truly." When further informed that in marriage among the Moquis it is woman who takes the initiative, the girl pointing out the young man of her heart and the girl's father making the offer, which is never refused, Mrs.Stanley almost shed tears of gratification.

Here was something like woman's rights; here was a flash of the glorious dawn of equality between the sexes; for when she talked of equality she meant female preeminence.
"And divorces ?" she eagerly asked.
"They are at the pleasure of the parties," explained Thurstane, who had been catechising the chief at great length through his Navajo.
"And who, in case of a divorce, cares for the children ?" "The grandparents." Aunt Maria came near clapping her hands.

This was better than Connecticut or Indiana.