A mber’s father promised Bernadine’s family three pigs and money as well in addition to the plot of land he would give the young couple. That was a very fine price for a bride and the council of village elders had agreed to the match. Bernadine’s mother was elated. Not only had she gotten a strong husband for her daughter she’d also have three pigs to add to the small family herd.
Joe claimed that Bernadine should be happy too. “Most families get only one pik for a daughter ” he told her. “When I marry we won’t be giving more than one pik for my bride. But for you Mother is getting much more. And money too.”
But Bernadine thought differently. “Why should I be happy?” she asked facing the river. “The more piks and money that come with the bridegroom the less he’s worth.”
“No it means that you’re worth a lot ” said Joe discovering as he spoke that it’s very hard to convince your sister of something you don’t really believe yourself. “That’s why they’re giving more for you than they’d give for just anybody.”
