happened?
- Another fight.
You're always quarrelling.
What was it this time?
It's not easy to explain
the daily frustration.
Frustration?
You said you loved him.
That's what makes it
so annoying!
What?
Papa, no more questions.
I'm going to teach him a lesson.
You're the one who needs a lesson.
You have no patience.
That's enough now.
Papa, the bath's gotten cold.
I'll heat it up for you.
She's hopeless.
Hey, listen.
What was that boy's name?
- Who?
Who works for the Obayashi Group.
Your friend's brother.
- Shige Inoue?
- That's the one.
You said his father owns
a factory in Kamisuwa.
Yes. What about him?
I think he'd make
a good husband for Ayako.
Forget it. He's taken.
- You mean engaged?
Yes.
I have to find a present.
Too bad.
It's my job to find someone.
Why?
I thought he'd be perfect.
What a disappointment.
Any other possibilities?
How about that Ikeda boy?
No, he's a snob.
So he's out. Any others?
Forget about other people's daughters.
Worry about your own.
But Ayako's such a beautiful girl.
I don't want to see her with some oddball.
I see.
She's a fine girl.
So innocent.
Oh? Is she like Akiko was
at her age?
Hard to say.
They have
different temperaments.
Mamiya said Akiko was better.
- What do you say?
- Me?
Which would you choose?
Akiko, right?
I know all about it.
- What?
The drug store. You always
bought your bandages there, right?
I didn't buy bandages.
Mamiya did.
- Then what did you buy?
- Antifebrin.
Liar! I remember very clearly.
It was you.
- Who told you that?
- You did.
I said that? When?
When you were drunk,
celebrating Yoko's birth.
Really? I said that?
I used to be so honest.
Yes, more than now.
Mom, I'm hungry.
Is there anything to eat?
Papa, your bath's
gotten super hot.
- Did you turn off the gas?
- No, it's still lit.
What's wrong with you?
You have to turn it off.
You're all hopeless.
Is there something to eat?
Nothing but trouble.
Please go in.
Welcome.
Thank you so much
for the other day.
I know how busy you are.
Not at all.
Please have a seat.
I just stopped by
to thank you.
That's kind of you.
Please sit down.
I also called on Mr. Hirayama
and Mr. Taguchi.
I see.
Did Taguchi have any news
regarding Ayako?
I'm afraid he was too late.
- He's already taken?
- Yes.
That's just like him.
He's always been like that.
Miwa used to complain that Taguchi
was always late for appointments.
But then I was the late one
the other day.
I'm sure having you all there
must have pleased my husband.
Say, have you had lunch?
No, but I'm fine.
Shall we have lunch?
Though the food's just so-so...
- I'm afraid at 2:00...
- What?
These days I'm helping out
at my friend's dressmaking school.
French embroidery and such.
You teach that?
Yes, though I'm not
very good at it.
That must be hard.
Well, in that case,
I can take you there in my car.
Shall we go?
I'm going out.
Have the car ready.
THE EEL
- A little more?
- No, thank you.
You're sure?
Did you notice the fellow
who greeted me at the elevator?
No, I'm afraid I didn't.
About my height,
with hair hanging over like this?
No, I really didn't notice.
Well, he doesn't exactly
stand out in a crowd.
He's a fine man, a hard worker.
When we were talking
about Ayako,
he immediately came to mind.
But Taguchi was so certain
he had a sure thing.
Mr. Taguchi is very amusing.
Too amusing!
Everything he touches
turns into a farce.
He's a lot of fun
to have around.
Anyway, I don't remember
where the young man graduated from.
He joined our firm
four or five years ago.
He doesn't look that athletic,
but he's captain
of our basketball team.
What do you think?
Sounds very good.
Should I arrange a meeting?
Or shall I send you
his picture and resumй?
Yes, maybe that's best.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Here you are.
- I'll send them soon.
- Thank you.
Could you spare
a picture of Ayako?
Do you always smoke a pipe?
Both