Genji, who had been suffering from ague (malaria) and was visiting Kitayama for incantation, caught a glimpse of a girl (later known as Murasaki no Ue, around 10 years old) who had an appearance similar to Fujitsubo (23 years old), whom Genji yearned for in secret, when he happened to pass by the house.
瘧（おこり、マラリア）を病んで加持（かじ）のために北山を訪れた源氏は、通りかかった家で密かに恋焦がれる藤壺（23歳）の面影を持つ少女（後の紫の上。10歳ほど）を垣間見た。