“Be careful not to drop the bead, for it may break,” Nomusa said, handing it to Intombi and taking the deer mouse.
“It’s not alive, you know,” Intombi said, as she saw Nomusa carefully examining her new treasure.
“Is it still good to eat?” Nomusa asked.
“That I do not know, but the fur can be used.”
Intombi opened her neck-pocket wide and showed Nomusa all the bits of stone, feathers, bangles, and other trinkets that she carried around with her. Suddenly Intombi sprang up. “Oh, they are starting another game. Let us play, too, Nomusa.”
“What are they playing?”
“Husbands and wives. It’s lots of fun. I hope Zabala chooses me.” Intombi moved closer to the line of boys so that Zabala would not fail to see her. She looked smilingly at him until he caught her eye.
How tiresome to play such a game, thought Nomusa. I should much prefer going outside.
She was standing apart, watching the good-natured scramble of the boys picking their girls, not once thinking about a partner for herself. Suddenly she felt someone tapping her shoulder insistently. “You are my wife for this game,” Damasi said. “Now let me see if you are a good one.”
“And let me see if you are a good husband,” replied Nomusa.