Summary

The next chapter of Book Two is titled “The Ball,” and returns its narrative focus to Gbessa and Maisy. As the ball that they have been preparing for begins, Maisy identifies and describes the various couples and individuals attending, most of whom are freed slaves. At one point, one of the white-dressed women Maisy describes as “society women” (206) asks Gbessa her name. At first Gbessa does not understand, and the woman becomes angry. Gbessa eventual realizes what she is being asked, and gives her name. She later asks Maisy if she did something wrong, and Maisy says no. Later in the evening, Mr. Johnson makes a speech celebrating the Christian miracle and principles involved in the founding of Monrovia, a free state for Africans. He pledges his continuing commitment to its success and freedom, and then proves that commitment by announcing that his daughter...