Summary

Chapter 25

Iba visits Ramatoulaye. His appearance pleases her – his cleanliness, eyelashes, teeth, eyes. Iba seeks Rama’s consent to marry young Aissatou, and his mother will raise the child so the newlyweds can continue their studies. Rama is pleased with the plan. She is concerned her daughter will be expelled from school, but as the birth of the child lines up with the holidays, Aissatou will camouflage her belly with loose clothing as she gets bigger and hopes to go unnoticed. Rama notes, with hostility, only pregnant school girls get kicked out. The boys who played a part are never sent away. Overall, Ramatoulaye feels Iba has carefully thought through all of the details, and she feels Aissatou is already a part of a new family with him. She blesses her daughter and the path that lies ahead.

Chapter 26

Iba visits the house every day...