(M348) There are many examples of receipts given for the marriage-portion received in full.(291) Sometimes it was merely promised. It was not always paid promptly. Law C made a note of this. The father might have promised a portion, and even given a deed of gift for it to his daughter. But if his means have diminished he cannot be held to a literal fulfilment of the promise. He may do what he can. The law adds significantly that “father-in-law and son-in-law shall not oppress one another.” We find that actions were frequently brought to obtain a marriage-portion. We have an instance where the payment was withheld for nine years.(292) (M349) A husband might make a settlement on his wife. In the time of the Code this was called a _nudunnu_. It had to be by deed of gift. It might cover income-producing estate as well as personal property. But it was hers only for life. She could leave it as she chose among her children of the marriage, but not to members of her own family.(293) We may regard it as pin-money. Her husband’s heirs could not disturb her possession of it as long as she lived. But she forfeited it, if she married again.(294) (M350) The betrothed maiden did not at once leave her father’s house. This we learn from the Code, which enacts a penalty on one who should seduce a betrothed maiden living in her father’s house.(295) It seems that on both sides betrothal took place in early life and that the arrangements were in the hands of the parents. A father was expected to take a wife for his son.