"But as no preparation is needed in this case, will you not honourably
give her to the person for whom I speak? He is said to be a very steady
man; and he is thirty-eight years of age. As I thought your eldest girl
to be about twenty-six, I proposed her to him...."
"No,--she is twenty-nine years old," was answered.
"Ah!... That being the case, I must again speak to the other party; and
I shall honourably consult with you after I have seen him."
So saying, the man went away.
Next evening the man came again,--this time with the wife of
Okada-Shi[3] [_a friend of the family_],--and said:--
"The other party is satisfied;--so, if you are willing, the match can
be made."