If a suitor chose the right box, he would find the picture. That meant that he could propose to Portia. Poria’s father believed that the best husband would know which box to choose.
If he found the wrong box, he would have to leave the house right away. He wouldn’t be allowed to marry Portia. In addition, he wouldn’t be able to marry anyone or have a girlfriend for the rest of his life. Every suitor had to sign a contract agreeing to these conditions. It was a big risk for them. But Portia’s father felt his daughter was worth the risk.