Book III, Chapters 7-12 Summary

As Sachiko, Taeko and Etsuko continue on to Osaka on the train, Sachiko confides in Taeko that she is not optimistic about the match with Sawazaki. A few days later she receives a letter from Mrs Sugano, and enclosed with it is a letter that Sawazaki had sent to her that says he is not interested in proceeding with the marriage talks. His letter is short and offers no explanation. Sachiko is slightly offended by the letter. For the first time, the Makioka family is the one being refused. The entire episode, from the rushed arrangements to the short refusal, has left her with a bad feeling.

In Tokyo, the main house is preparing to host memorial services marking the anniversary of the deaths of the Makioka sisters' parents. The services, which involve ceremonies and a large...