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CHAPTER 15

While Kumalo rests in his room before going to Father Vincent, the young white man arrives. He begs forgiveness for words said out of his own grief, and urges Kumalo to find Absalom an honest but capable lawyer. Together they go to the Mission House, and Father Vincent promises not only to find a lawyer, but also to look into performing the marriage. When the young white man has gone, the priests speak of all that has happened.

Kumalo uses a parable. A man is sleeping in the grass while a great storm gathers overhead, and everyone is afraid to wake him. Father Vincent points out that the storm has broken; Kumalo's fear is now replaced by sorrow. And if a storm destroys a man's house, he can rebuild. Absalom's amending his life must become more important to Kumalo than his own sorrow. Kumalo does not respond, so the younger priest orders him to pray for justice and rebuilding, and even to give thanks for the good things still in his life. He himself will pray for Kumalo night and day. Of what importance is this help for Kumalo at this moment in his life? Is it more important than getting a clever lawyer to defend his son?

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