content: from this time on , the old man often found gold in the notches of the bamboos when he hewed them down and cut them up ; not only gold , but precious stones also , so that by degrees he became rich . he built himself a fine house , and was no longer known as the poor bamboo woodcutter , but as a wealthy man . three months passed quickly away , and in that time the bamboo child had , wonderful to say , become a full - grown girl , so her foster - parents did up her hair and dressed her in beautiful kimonos . she was of such wondrous beauty that they placed her behind the screens like a princess , and allowed no one to see her , waiting upon her themselves . it seemed as if she were made of light , for the house was filled with a soft shining , so that even in the dark of night it was like daytime . her presence seemed to have a benign influence on those there . whenever the old man felt sad , he had only to look upon his foster - daughter and his sorrow vanished , and he became as happy as when he was a youth . suitors from far and near posted themselves outside the house , and made little holes in the fence , in the hope of catching a glimpse of the princess as she went from one room to the other along the veranda . they stayed there day and night , sacrificing even their sleep for a chance of seeing her , but all in vain . then they approached the house , and tried to speak to the old man and his wife or some of the servants , but not even this was granted them . still , in spite of all this disappointment they stayed on day after day , and night after night , and counted it as nothing , so great was their desire to see the princess . 
answer: her parents kept her hidden away .
question: why were the suitors unable to see the princess ?
target: why were the suitors unable to see the princess ?
references: why were the suitors unable to see the princess ?