Book I, Chapters 23-29 Summary

Sachiko receives a letter from Yukiko in Tokyo explaining that at the last minute the lease on Tatsuo and Tsuruko's house was cancelled and they have had to move into a small rental house. After this letter, there is no word for some time. Sachiko, Teinosuke, Etsuko and O-Haru the maid compose a joint poem and send it to Yukiko. Yukiko responds with a sentimental letter, then is silent again.

Meanwhile, Etsuko is troubled. She becomes obsessed with cleanliness and has trouble sleeping. Teinosuke and Sachiko quarrel about how to deal with Etsuko's problems. They are reluctant to admit that her behavior may be related to Yukiko leaving. Teinosuke has to visit Tokyo on business and looks in on the main house. He is somewhat astonished at the small size of the place, where eleven people live...