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Chapter four. Black Magic |
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woman who had had birth complications on previous visit now well |
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We asked for our woman patient. Oh, yes, they said, she was better. We went to call. |
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The house looked smaller by daylight, and shabbier, too. It had lost its sinister tinge; the weather-worn planks and (37) bleached grey thatch were homely and humble. We rapped at the closed door. |
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It was opened by a pink-cheeked young woman, who stood in confusion at the sight of us all. Her hair was down, she was holding the baby - the mother's help, surprised at her morning chores. We asked for the convalescent and made to go in. |
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" But isn't she here ? " we said. |
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Then everyone talked at once. There was a chaos of tongues, misunderstanding in four languages. The headman came up. He thrust himself into the group, and when the compounder had finished - |
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" But this is the one," he said. |
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There was a deathly silence. We stared so hard that she blushed. |
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The ten days' change was staggering - from a shapeless, swollen, half-conscious figure, to this robust young mother; shapely, comely, plump, as though she'd never been ill a day. Embarrassed, she nursed the child, and laughed. |
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" I think," said the compounder, " it is with the help of God." |
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I thought he was just about right. |
