The lion and the jewel

The setting is a clearing on the edge of the market with a large “odan” tree; this is the village of Ilujinle’s center. There is a bush school with children chanting arithmetic.

Sidi enters, carrying a pail on her head. She is slim and lovely. The schoolmaster, Lakunle, looks out the window, then shuts it and comes outside to Sidi. He is 23 years old, dressed cleanly but in older clothes.