Summary

Jack visits Reverend Hutchins for advice. He explains that his relationship with Della was completely honorable, but Reverend Hutchins becomes “less cordial” once he learns that Della is black (184). He shares that he might try to win Della’s father’s approval, and Reverend Hutchins prepares him for the possibility that Della’s father will never accept him no matter what because their family is so respectable. Jack considers telling Della that he had done prison time for stealing.

On the day that he was arrested, Jack recalls how he had wandered into a pawn shop, where another man bumped into him and left something in his pocket. Another shop visitor then accused Jack of stealing his wallet. He was released from prison after about two years for no particular reason. While in prison, he played the piano in the chapel to pass the...