A Tale of Two Choices

Edmund stood on his tiptoes to reach up for the painting, but couldn't quite reach it to get a grip.

"Could you give me a bit of help, please Charles?" he asked. Charles grudgingly offered to help lift Edmund, but this was awkward, Charles did not have the strength to hold him for any length of time, and Edmund could still not get sufficient hold of the painting.

"I think the only way you will be able to get it down is if you stand on the bannister," suggested Charles.

Edmund hauled himself up to stand on the bannister, steadied himself and...