The women of Golema Mmidi have gathered on Mma-Millipede’s property to prepare the wedding feast. As they peel potatoes, they gossip about the handsome foreigner, Makhaya. Unlike the other women, Paulina does not have a husband or a lover; she feels estranged from their easygoing way of life, in part because of her tragic experience of life and relationships outside Golema Mmidi. Gilbert and Maria, who have been married at the office of George Appleby-Smith, arrive, followed by Dinorego and Makhaya. Dinorego asks the younger man about his plans in life, and Makhaya responds that he wants mostly to settle down and get married—a plan that, as Dinorego explains, Mma-Millipede might be able to help along.

For her part, Mma-Millipede has been observing Makhaya (for Paulina’s sake) but has difficulty forming an assessment of his character. Gilbert then has a talk with the old woman; he informs her that Makhaya is going to take on the important task of lecturing the local women on the best agricultural practices. When Mma-Millipede asks about Makhaya’s character, Gilbert informs her that Makhaya is a truthful, loyal man.