When the chapter opens, Ossai is very ill. Efuru and Ajanupu tend to her, but they cannot help. A dibia comes and tells Ossai that she is ill from not seeing her son: When Adizua comes home, she will feel better. He tells Ossai that Adizua is in one of the towns on the Great River, but he does not know exactly where. He says that Adizua is unhappy because his new wife has left him.

After the dibia goes, the gossip Omirima mentions that Efuru has been worshipping Uhamiri. Gilbert’s mother is upset because Efuru and Gilbert did not consult her before they made the decision. Omirima insists that it is unlikely that Efuru will conceive again, so they must find another bride for Gilbert. Omirima hints to Gilbert’s mother that Efuru wants to go back to Adizua, even though this is not true; as evidence, Omirima cites the fact that Efuru continues to associate with Ossai and Ajanupu. Omirima stresses that even though Efuru is beautiful, industrious, and wealthy, her childlessness makes her an inferior wife: “Your daughter-in-law is good, but she is childless.