“Very well,” said Mma Potokwani. “But one of the housemothers says that the hot-water system in her house is making a gurgling noise. I was wondering-”

“I will come and fix it,” said Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. “I will come tomorrow.”

Mma Ramotswe smiled, but only to herself.

Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is a professor of medical law at Edinburgh University. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana. He is the author of more than fifty books: novels, stories, children’s books, and specialized titles such as Forensic Aspects of Sleep. He lives in Scotland.