This go-between held a key position. "He set up negotiations with some other family whom he knew had a son or daughter for whom they also wished marriage. He carried word back and forth between the two, until a settlement was agreed upon. Tt was his duty to investigate the conditions of the families concerned to sce whether they were true a5, Fated. This was his business, and he was legally responsible. The verbal agreement made by this intercecsor had the force of 2 contract, although written contract often accompanied the passing of red cards with birthday dates between the two families. Many hours were spent by this middle nian working out the bargain so that both families would be satisfied, Punishment was severe if either family deceived the other. The law was stern. "Tf the family of the bride sould wilfully mislead the husband's family, the representative of the family' contracting the marriage shall
siege all be recoverable."
lable to 00 Blows, and the mar. Similar punishment was provided in the case' of the husband's family if they should attempt deception. After the contract had been set one party (that is, one family) could not leave it of free choice. Breaking of the contract constituted a serious offence, and was punishable.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.