‘What I would like to say is that I am not that old or wise. But still I could advise you a little. Joe drives someone’s car now. Well, you never know. Lots of taxi drivers come to own their taxis, sometimes fleets of cars.’

‘Of course. But it’s a pity you are married already. Or I could be a go-between for you and Joe!’

And the two of them burst out laughing. It was when she rose to go to the bedroom that Connie noticed the new shoes.

‘Ei, those are beautiful shoes. Are they new?’

From the other room, Mercy’s voice came interrupted by the motions of her body as she undressed and then dressed again. However, the uncertainty in it was due to something entirely different.

‘Oh, I forgot to tell you about them. In fact, I was going to show them to you. I think it was on Tuesday I bought them. Or was it Wednesday? When I came home from the office, you and James had taken Akosua out. And later, I forgot all about them.’

‘I see. But they are very pretty. Were they expensive?’

‘No, not really.’ This reply was too hurriedly said.

And she said only last week that she didn’t have a penny on her. And I believed her because I know what they pay her is just not enough to last anyone through any month, even minus rent. . . . I have been thinking she manages very well. But these shoes. And she is not the type who would borrow money just to buy a pair of shoes, when she could have gone on wearing her old pairs until things get better. Oh I wish I knew what to do. I mean I am not her mother. And I wonder how James will see these problems.

‘Sissie, you look worried.’

‘Hmm, when don’t I? With the baby due in a couple of months and the government’s new ruling on salaries and all. On top of everything, I have reliable information that James is running after a new girl.’

Mercy laughed.

‘Oh Sissie. You always get reliable information on these things.’

‘But yes. And I don’t know why.’

‘Sissie, men are like that.’

‘They are selfish.’

‘No, it’s just that women allow them to behave the way they do instead of seizing some freedom themselves.’

‘But I am sure that even if we were free to carry on in the same way, I wouldn’t make use of it.’

‘But why not?’

‘Because I love James. I love James and I am not interested in any other man.’ Her voice was full of tears. But Mercy was amused.

‘O God. Now listen to that. It’s women like you who keep all of us down.’

‘Well, I am sorry but it’s how the good God created me.’

‘Mm. I am sure that I can love several men at the same time.’

‘Mercy!’