• The Prouds 190

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Jarvis returned to his house, went to his bedroom, and sat
down below the window with his back leaning against the
wall and his legs stretched forward.
As he sat, he frequently touched his face where his
brother had slapped him and wondered, How can I ever
forgive this slap?
He started reflecting thoroughly on what had
happened between the Prouds and the king until he was
interrupted by a knock on the door. He opened the door and
saw his friend Reynold standing there, so he greeted him
and invited him in. They sat in the guest room.
“Jarvis, I have talked to many men and we are all
with you on whatever you decide,” said Reynold.
He then added, “We can live with anything,
poverty, disease, or hunger, anything but humiliation,
which is exactly what your brother is putting us in.”
After deep thinking, Jarvis said, “Wait until I find a
way to solve this dilemma without causing sedition. I am
thinking thoroughly and I will definitely find a way.”
“Very well,” said Reynold. “But always remember
that we are with you on whatever you decide.”
He greeted Jarvis, stood up, and left.