Tugela explained the mystery in a few words, and to this effect—
“The wife Metilulu has chosen for you,” he said, “is the daughter of a head man, who died some time ago, leaving this only child. As there were no relations to take charge of her, Metilulu adopted Zenuta himself. When she grew old enough he proposed several suitors to her, but she refused all. Now, however, she has fallen in love with you, and has asked the chief to let you be her husband.”
“I feel deeply flattered by the lady’s preference,” I said, “but, as I have previously said, Tugela, having a wife already, by the laws of my religion I should commit a great crime by taking another, therefore must decline her advances. But this does not explain your chief’s silence.”
“That arises because Metilulu does not care about her marriage with a white man, and also that he has had trouble of his own since. No doubt he has forgotten the affair, but he will not for long.”
“Why not?”
“Because Zenuta is impetuous. She will remind him.”
“What will he do then?”
“Why, if he accepts your refusal, she will be enraged. He might offer you her only to attend upon you—not as a wife in that case.”
“If so, what would you advise me to do?” I asked.
“Take her,” he rejoined; “it may preserve you from Metilulu’s anger, for Zenuta makes a dreadful turmoil among the wives, and worries him.”