When at last the chickens were removed, and Refiloe’s mother and the other women finally managed to stop laughing and control themselves, the food was served.

All the guests agreed that it was the finest they had eaten, especially the pumpkin. They also agreed that it was the best wedding entertainment ever known in Malealea.

‘Well Refiloe,’ said her mother when the last of the guests had gone and the two aunts went happily off together in the same taxi, ‘we have you and your chickens to thank for a perfectly wonderful time,’ and she gave her a big hug.

‘Oh you are so lucky!’ Refiloe said to her chickens as she put them into their coop for the night, ‘Mme says that never again will she tell me that you belong in the supper pot.

‘But just look how dirty you are again,’ she told them, ‘all covered in wedding cake and flowers. I think I’ll have to give you another wash tomorrow!’