Bimpe's sitting-room. She is talking with Femi.

BIMPE: My son, Femi, the monstrosity of this thing that you have told me appalls me

greatly. Like a sieve, it has filtered away all the peace of my heart. Even though I did hear it, I know not whether my ears did hear it right or the whole thing is just a fantastic trick of the mind. Are you definitely sure that... that... that it was Liz you were referring to and not another girl?

FEMI; I’m dead sure, ma.

BIMPE: Very sure?

FEMI: Hopelessly sure, ma.

BIMPE: I cannot but feel bad for both of you and for myself. Yet, I am much surprised at Liz. How could she so easily degenerate to the level of a common prostitute? Still, I have my doubts concerning this matter. I am her mother, and no one knows the daughter more than the mother. I swear that this is very unlike my daughter. I shall help you, my son, for I see that your love is not the kind that bums bright at night but grows dim in the morning. However I fear that this mission is not likely to succeed, as Liz possesses the stubbornness of her father. No force in this world can shake her from her course once she has her mind set on a goal. But worry not, my son, I shall try my best to reason with her.

FEMI: Your words raise little hope in me, ma. I fear that I have lost her forever, for I too have had a taste of her stubbornness. Yet, I cannot give up all hope. I only wish I could speak to her father. Perhaps, his advanced age and wisdom could prevail over her stubbornness and win her back to me.

(Bimpe does not answer immediately.)

BIMPE: (Finally.) My son, Femi, your words have touched the chords of sympathy in my heart and 1 cannot but reveal to you a secret which I have sealed up in the darkest nooks of my heart. I have told no one, not even Liz. (Pauses) Liz has a father but does not know that she does. Many years ago while I was still a student in our village secondary school in Oke Ofo, I was impregnated by one of our temporary teacher. He ran away when he learnt that I was pregnant. Liz is the product of that unhappy and inconclusive love affair. But she knows nothing about it as I have from infancy impressed upon her that her father was dead...

FEMI: Sorry to interrupt, ma, but if her father’s still alive I could go to him and seek his help.

BIMPE: I’m not sure, my son. Since that day so long ago, I've heard absolutely nothing about him. I brought Liz up as a single mother with the help of my late parents.

FEMI: Then, I have no hope.

BIMPE: There is hope, my son, but not much.

FEMI: Very well, ma, I’ll leave you to do your best. I’m going back now. Our examination is fast approaching and I still have a lot of grounds to cover.

BIMPE: Very well, my son. Go back to your studies. I shall phone Liz to come and see me. Then I’ll know the truth.