Book III, Chapters 1-6 Summary

As the third book of the novel begins, there is yet another prospect for Yukiko's marriage. Tatsuo's sister, Mrs. Sugano, has arranged for her to meet a wealthy man named Sawazaki in the region of Ogaki. Sachiko, Yukiko, Taeko and Etsuko travel by train to Ogaki. The arrangements have been rushed and they are not certain when the actual meeting will be. Just in case, they put on their finest clothes for the train trip. The train breaks down for a time, which Sachiko takes as a bad omen. Upon reaching the home of Sugano, they learn the meeting will not be until the next day. That evening they go on a firefly hunt, to Etsuko's delight.

The following day, Taeko takes Etsuko off to see a local landmark while Sawazaki comes to the house for a...