Book II, Chapters 1-5 Summary

As Book II opens, Sachiko is visited by Okubata, Taeko's fiance. He informs her that Taeko intends to give up her doll making and take up sewing. She also intends to go to Paris for a time to learn sewing. He asks for Sachiko's help in preventing it. Sachiko speaks with Taeko and learns that Okubata's description of her plans is correct.

At first, Sachiko thinks Taeko is trying to distance herself from Okubata, having decided she no longer wished to marry him. Taeko says she does still intend to marry him, even though she has learned that he has taken on some undesirable habits such as going out and getting drunk with other women.

In addition to taking sewing lessons, Taeko has also started taking classes in traditional dance. She asks Sachiko if they might use...