'I Offer Her this Poor Vessal' Summary

Malu is brought across the water from Atatua on a heavy seagoing canoe. Malu's followers quickly erect a structure to shelter him for his meeting with Peter and Wang-mu. Malu himself does not look much different from the other Samoans, perhaps just a little more decoratively dressed and whiter. He embraces Grace and then shocks her by inviting Peter and Wang-mu to join him in a meal. He addresses them in an ancient holy dialect that only Grace, not even Jane can interpret. Grace instructs them to say only what is meant for Malu's ears, since she is required to translate every single word they say. They risk insulting him if their words are not pertinent. They eat, more of a sacrament than a meal, and Grace explains that he recognizes them not...