THE TORN VEIL

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Unscrupulous as he was, kwame Asante had a qualm as he look at the woman sitting on the African stool near the bed. He had called her and yet when she came he did not quite know how to begin the conversation.

Akosua, how would you like fifty pounds to start a small business of your own -- selling cloth, or perfume and powder?' The woman smiled nervously: ten years of married life had made her wary of her husband's fits of generosity.

She was as black as ebony, with the fine features peculiar to the girls of the Akwapim hills; graceful in her brown and red designed cloth and the lovely silk head-tie wrapped round her head. Her feet were shod in leather sandals and she had on her tiny ears the popular golden ear-rings named Abongo. The slender woman on the stool was the mother of the Native Customary Law she had served her lord and master with zeal and zest. It is law which, for though it aids the man to gain his desire when it is at its fiercest, it does in no way safeguard the position of the woman when the man's passion abates.

Would you like fifty pounds? Asked kwame again. I could make it a hundred. You have been a very good wife to  me, Akosua .'

Did the truth begin to dawn on the woman's consciousness ? No, she thrust the thought away from her. He could not do it.

Kwame cleared his throat-after all he might as well get it off his chest ; hadn't she noticed that whole relationship had become impossible? A cloth woman was all right when one was young and struggling ; she could be so useful, a general servant and yet a wife. And Akosua was so gentle, and even quite refined, but a man needs a change. He had just completed his two-storied building, and he had been made a committee member of an important club . The other day his Academy had conferred on him an Associate ship, and  his University had giving him a coveted degree. He had at last achieved his ambition and had become an important man in the community. He was thinking seriously of entering the Town Council.

Fancy being addressed  Councilor kwame Asante, O.B.A,A.S.S.' He smile inanely to him self . Akosua looked at him in wonder.

Er…. er ….Akosua ……er ,I want to tell you I am going to marry a lady;  you will be paid off with a hundred pounds .'

The woman answered never a word .

A…. Frock…… lady ….um…er…. Of course you can read and write Ga and Twi but my friends will friends will call you an illiterate woman .;

Did you consult your friend impertinent , I shall not discuss the matter further.' he got up and walked up and down the room.

How many men in the gold coast will pay a woman off with one hundred pound? You are only entitled to twenty five pounds, and here I am out of kindness offering you a hundred. Show some gratitude, Akosua.'

She look at him and stark misery was in her eyes.

I shall send the children to Achimota College.' There was a whining note in his voice. I am only doing this because of my position in society. You see I may be called to Government House  and other important places … say something, Akosua.'

TO BE CONTINUE ......

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