LUCY BELLE

’Deed, we done miss yo’ while yo’s sick.

AUNT REBECCA (shaking her head)

Don’ wan’ no mo’ spells like dat.

LUCY BELLE

No, indeedy! I reckon not.

AUNT REBECCA

Been six yeahs since rheumetiz took me down like dat.

LUCY BELLE

Git yo’ hard w’en it do.

AUNT REBECCA

’Deed it do, ’deed it do!

LUCY BELLE

Mighty sorry I did’n’ git in ter see yo’ mo’ den I did.

AUNT REBECCA

Dat’s all right. I ain’ boderin’ ’bout dat at all.

LUCY BELLE

Yo’—yo’ see, I’se so busy wid mah wuk, an’ lookin’ aftah thin’s ’roun de house—an’—an’ de baby.

AUNT REBECCA

Yas, yas—honey. I knows how it is.

LUCY BELLE

Yo’ ’scuse me a minute, won’ yo’?

AUNT REBECCA

Sartainly, sartainly.

LUCY BELLE

Got ter run ’roun’ ter Miss Erminie’s wid dis yere washin’.

AUNT REBECCA

Sho’—sho’, honey! Yo’ go right ’long. Don’ yo’ boder ’bout me.

LUCY BELLE

Only jes’ ’roun’ de corner. Be right back. (Rising and moving toward, Left.) Reckon I bettah bring dat baby out yere. No tellin’ w’at dem chillen liable ter do ter it while I’se gone.

(She goes out, Left, and returns immediately carrying a very young Negro baby.)

AUNT REBECCA (exclaiming)

Mah soul, dat’s a fine baby! Ain’ he dough? Yo’ wan’ me ter hol’ him?

LUCY BELLE

Ef yo’ don’ min’—till I gits back.

AUNT REBECCA

Sho’! Sho’! (Lucy Belle places the baby in Aunt Rebecca’s arms and the old woman gazes down at him admiringly.) Gawd-a-massy! Bless yo’ heart! Ain’ yo’ mah lil’ honey-boy? Smile at me—dat’s it—smile! Ootchum-kootchum! Ootchum—kootchum!

(Fanny and Israel run in, Left. Both wear nightgowns.)

FANNY

Mamma! Whar yo’ all gwine?

ISRAEL

Mamma! Git me some candy!

LUCY BELLE (sharply)

Yo’ all hush! Git right back ter bed! Go ’long!

FANNY (whimpering)

I’se scar’t ob de night doctahs.

LUCY BELLE

Hush, child! Night doctahs ain’ gwine ter git yo’ in yere. Go ’long! (Threateningly.) D’yo’ wan’ me ter knock yo’ haids off?

ISRAEL

Mamma! Git me—!

(Lucy Belle grabs them roughly and pushes them through the door, Left, and closes it after them. They cry for several moments and then gradually stop.)

LUCY BELLE (with a little sigh, as she comes back to Center)

Reckon I bettah be on mah way. (Beginning to put on her hat and coat.) I ain’ nevah had no luck. Some gals gits by widout no trouble at all. I ain’ one-a dem kin’. Nuffin’ I evah done come out right—nuffin’ at all. Ef I starts anathin’ it’s boun’ ter go wrong. I—I’se conjuhed fo’ life.

AUNT REBECCA

Hush, chile! Don’ git down in de mouf like dat. Yo’ luck liable ter change any minute. Min’ did aftah I gits rid-a dem warts.

LUCY BELLE

I ain’ got no bus’ness wid all dese chillen. I’se a fool—Gawd knows I is. (Wistfully.) Ain’ only one niggah evah treated me decent. Gawd knows, he treated me right!

AUNT REBECCA

Yo’ means Sam. (Lucy Belle nods.) Still in jail, ain’ he?

LUCY BELLE (nodding)

Down in de penitentiary at Moun’sville. He kain’t write, so I don’ nevah yere from him.

AUNT REBECCA

Nevah min’, he gwine ter come back someday.

LUCY BELLE

Gawd, I hope so!

AUNT REBECCA

W’at come dat yallow—um—lessee—w’at’s his name—uster see him ’roun’ yere—

LUCY BELLE

Chick Avery.

AUNT REBECCA

Yas—Chick Avery. Dat who I means.

LUCY BELLE (darkly)

He git a job barbarin’ on de boat dat run from New York ter Chawlston.

AUNT REBECCA

Go ’long—!

LUCY BELLE (bitterly)

Been gone free mon’s. I ain’ seen nor yere from him since he lef’. (She picks up the basket of clothes and goes to the door, Back.) Only be a minute, Aun’ Becky.

(Aunt Rebecca grunts and nods. Lucy Belle goes out, Back. Aunt Rebecca sits in brooding thought for a moment or two, then begins to chant to herself.)

AUNT REBECCA

Um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a! Trouble in mah soul! Um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a! Trouble in mah soul! Um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a! Trouble in mah soul! (High treble.) Um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a! Trouble in mah soul! Um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a!

(Footsteps and someone whistling are heard off stage, Back. Aunt Rebecca stops and listens. The door opens and Slim Dorsey enters, Back.)

SLIM

’Lo, Aun’ Becky. W’at yo’ all doin’ yere?

AUNT REBECCA

Min’en de baby fo’ Lucy Belle.

SLIM

Whar she?

AUNT REBECCA

Takin’ washin’ ’roun’ ter Miss Erminie’s.

(Slim takes a bag of tobacco and a pack of cigarette papers from his pocket and proceeds to roll a cigarette.)

SLIM

Dat gal ain’ no good. She make twict as much ef she was ter wuk out.

AUNT REBECCA (sharply)

W’at kin’-a bruder is yo’? Dat ain’ no way ter talk. W’at she do wid de chillen—an’—an’ dis yere baby?

SLIM (licking the cigarette)

Make a present ob ’em ter somebody.

AUNT REBECCA

Shame on yo’—shame on yo’—talkin’ like dat! She do de bes’ she kin! An’ yo’ jes’ lay ’roun’ an’ let her keep yo’.

SLIM

Dat’s a lie! I wuks a damn sight harder den she do.

AUNT REBECCA

Whar yo’ wuk?

SLIM

On de wharf—shuckin’ oysters.

AUNT REBECCA

Dat steady?

SLIM

Steady in season. I fishes w’en I ain’ wukkin’ dere. Dat’s why we move ovah yere from Carter Street—ter be handy ter de rivah. Don’ yo’ all go lyin’ ’bout me livin’ off Lucy Belle,—’less yo’ lookin’ fo’ trouble.

(Aunt Rebecca glowers at him and remains silent for a brief interval. Slim lights his cigarette and sits astride a chair, with the back to the front.)

AUNT REBECCA (at length)

She got too many chillen.

SLIM

Ain’ nobody knows dat bettah den I do. No niggah an’ gwine ter take up wid her now. Mink Hall was crazy fo’ ter marry her one time. Huh—he wouldn’ look sideways at her now ef he was ter pass her in de street.

(The wind blows and whistles through the cracks. Aunt Rebecca straightens up stiffly and rolls her eyes.)

AUNT REBECCA (in low, frightened tones)

Gawd-a-massy! Yo’ ain’ gwine ter git me—yo’ ole hussy!

SLIM

W’at’s de mattah?

AUNT REBECCA

Dat’s Lil Mundy tryin’ ter git back at me.

SLIM (with a derisive laugh)

W’at fo’?

AUNT REBECCA

Fo’ kickin’ dat ole dog ob hers off mah do’step.

(Lucy Belle enters, Back, carrying the empty basket.)

AUNT REBECCA (exclaiming)

Lan’ sake, chile! It ain’ takin’ yo’ long.

LUCY BELLE

Don’ see me wastin’ no time on a night like dis. (Giving Slim a stony stare.) ’Lo, Slim. (She drops the basket near the door, and removes her hat and coat.)

SLIM (jumping up and going to her quickly)

Luce—!

LUCY BELLE

W’at—?

SLIM

Sam’s yere!

LUCY BELLE (blankly, as she searches his face)

W’at d’yo’ mean?

SLIM

He’s back yere in Wash’nin’.

LUCY BELLE (with a gasp)

Oh, Gawd! (Comes down to Right Center and drops her hat and coat on a chair.)

SLIM

Mink Hall jes’ seen him uptown. He stops in Seventh Street ter buy yo’ all somefin’.

LUCY BELLE

Whar did yo’ see Mink?

SLIM

On de wharf. Jes’ come ovah dere from uptown. Sam tol’ him dat he comin’ right on out yere.

LUCY BELLE (with a cry of ecstasy)

Sam! Mah Sam-boy! (Then in tones tremulous with emotion) How did he git out so soon?

SLIM

Got his sentence cut short fo’ bein good—like I done tol’ yo’ he might.

LUCY BELLE (agitatedly)

W’at—w’at did Mink say ter him—’bout me?

SLIM

Nuffin’, I reckon—’Cept dat he ain’ seen yo’ in a good while—an’ dat yo’ still livin’ yere in Goat Alley.

LUCY BELLE

Yo’—yo’ ain’ nevah tol’ Mink dat I—I got—

SLIM

Yo’ mean’ ’bout de baby? (She nods.) No, no! W’at I tell him dat fo’?

LUCY BELLE (in earnest entreaty)

Slim—Slim—! Go down ter end ob de alley—dere by de stable. Sam gwine ter come in dat way sho’ as yo’ bawn ef he been up on Seventh Street. Ketch him dere—an’ take him ovah ter Gerner’s. Say dat I gone ovah ter Mag’s an’ dat I be back late ternight.

SLIM

I ain’ boderin’ ’bout him.

LUCY BELLE

Slim, please, honey! Won’ yo’? Dat ain’ gwine ter hurt yo’. (She pulls up her skirt, reaches down in her stocking and pulls out a dollar bill.) Yere! (She hands it to Slim.) Please—jes’ dis onct! Won’ yo’—? (He slowly nods, and starts toward the door. She calls after him. He halts and turns.) Slim, don’ tell him whar I is. Jes’—jes’ say I’se gone away—an’ dat I won’ be back till in de mawnin’. Yo’ yere? Say yo ’don’ know whar I is!

SLIM

All right. (He goes out, Back.)

LUCY BELLE (turning to Aunt Rebecca)

I—I did’n’ have no kin’-a idea Sam ’ud git out so soon. (Rapturously.) Sam! Mah, Sam! (Then fearfully.) But—but I kain’t see him yet—no, no—!

AUNT REBECCA

Now, now—! Don’ yo’ git yo’se’f in no stew.

LUCY BELLE (wringing her hands)

I tol’ yo’ I ain’ nevah had no luck! W’at kin’ a po’ gal like me do? Yo’—yo’ see I got dis yere baby. It—it’s free mon’s ole, now. Ef—ef he see dat—Oh, Gawd!

AUNT REBECCA

Yo’ reckon—!

LUCY BELLE

He’d kill me—sho’ as yo’ bawn! Yo’ see—yo’ see, his time was’n’ up fo’ mos’ anoder yeah. Him a’ me ain’ nevah had no luck an’ I did’n’t calc’late he’d git out befo’. I—I was gwine ter git ready an’ move in ’bout six mon’s. Den I was gwine ter writ ter de Warden—or de keeper—or somebody like dat an’ git dem ter tell him whar I move ter. (Moving about agitatedly.) Ef he only knowed what I been up agin! I—I promised him I would’n’ look at anabody else while he was gone. Ef I’d—a had any kin’a-luck nuffin’ ’ud make me break it. I loves Sam. I loves him bettah den anathin’ in de worl’. He knows I does. (A moment’s pause. Her eyes rove space.) Las’ wintah I could’n’ git nuffin’ much ter do—dat is nuffin’ dat pay me much money—an’ I had trouble rentin’ dat room—. (She pauses for a moment, and drops her eyes, then goes on slowly.) Chick Avery comes ’roun’—yo’ know—an’ I let’s him stay yere—(She pauses again, and then points at the baby.) Dat’s his chile.

AUNT REBECCA (in heartfelt sympathy)

Yo’ po’, po’ honey!

LUCY BELLE

W’en me an’ Sam fust met up he says, “Lucy Belle, I don’ care nuffin’ at all ’bout w’at yo’ done fo’ I knowed yo’. Dat’s all pas’ an’ gone an’ somefin’ we ain’ gwine ter boder our haids ’bout.” (She stares into space with tragic eyes.) But—but he tol’ me onct dat ef I evah had anathin’ ter do wid anoder niggah he’d kill me.

AUNT REBECCA

He ain’ gwine ter do nuffin’ like dat! Don’ yo’ worry!

LUCY BELLE (with a faint, wistful smile)

He’s de onlies’ niggah dat evah done anathin’ much fo’ me. Mah own Sam-boy, baby buddy! (She stares abstractedly into space for a moment or two.) An’—an’ yo’ see he’s comin’ right back ter me—now he’s out.

AUNT REBECCA

Yas, indeedy! I reckon he is!

LUCY BELLE (clenching her hands)

Oh, Gawd!

AUNT REBECCA

Nevah yo’ min’, honey. Yo’ ain’ got nuffin’ ter worry ’bout.

LUCY BELLE

Sam nevah boder his haid ’bout oder gals—not since he know me—’cept ole Lizzie Gibbs fo’ a lil’ while—(Fearfully.) Dat’s de onlies’ thin’ I’se scar’t of—is dat niggahs will lie an’ blackguard on me!

AUNT REBECCA (indicating the baby)

Who all know yo’ got dis yere chile?

LUCY BELLE

Only two or free people yere in Goat Alley—an’ Slim an’ Mag an’ yo’. Mag’s mah frien’ ovah in Anacostia.

AUNT REBECCA

Ef I did’n’ have dem gran’chillen I’d keep de baby fo’ yo’.

LUCY BELLE

No, no! Would’n’ wan’ yo’ ter do nuffin’ like dat.

AUNT REBECCA

W’at yo’ calc’late yo’ do?

LUCY BELLE

I don’ know, I don’ know! I kin take him ovah ter Mag’s—but even ef I does—she kain’t keep him long—an’—(Pacing about agitatedly.) I—I’se got ter do somefin’ quick! (In anguish.) I ain’ done no mo’ den oder gals—an’—an’—Sam got ter fo’give me!

(A knock sounds on the door, Back. Lucy Belle starts.)

LUCY BELLE (in low tones to Aunt Rebecca)

Take him in dere. (She points off, Left.)

(Aunt Rebecca rises with the baby and goes out hurriedly, Left.)

LUCY BELLE (as Aunt Rebecca leaves)

Come in!

(The door, Back, opens and Lizzie Gibbs enters. She wears no hat and has a light shawl thrown over her shoulders.)

LIZZIE (slouching in)

’Lo!

LUCY BELLE (starts back with a look of consternation)

’Lo—!

LIZZIE

H’yo’—?

LUCY BELLE (brusquely)

Fine an’ dandy!

LIZZIE

I reckon yo’ is! Thought I’d fin’ yo’ flyin’ ’roun’ wid yo’ eyes poppin’ out-a yo’ haid.

LUCY BELLE (with studied complacency)

I don’ know w’at yo’ all talkin’ ’bout.

LIZZIE (with a loud, sarcastic laugh)

Ha! Ha! Ain’ got nuffin’ on yo’ min’—huh?

LUCY BELLE (defiantly)

Not a thin’!

LIZZIE

Good frien’ ob yo’s back in town.

LUCY BELLE

Now yo’ said somefin’. Who?

LIZZIE (darkly)

Dat’s right—preten’ yo’ don’ know nuffin’ ’bout it—yo’ damn lil’ hussy!

LUCY BELLE (hotly)

Don’ yo’ call me no hussy!

LIZZIE

Don’ yo’ stan’ up dere an’ tell me yo’ don’ know Sam Reed ain’ home.

LUCY BELLE (simulating great surprise)

Sam! No! Is yo’ seen him?

LIZZIE (mysteriously)

Ha! Ha! I guess he don’ fo’git ole frien’s.

LUCY BELLE (in sharp derision)

Huh! I bet yo’ ain’! I bet yo’ all I got yo’ ain’!

LIZZIE

Yo’ all got de idee yo’ got some kin’-a strangle hol’ on Sam, ain’ yo’?

LUCY BELLE (hotly)

I knows damn well he ain’ gwine ter fool ’roun’ an’ ole wench like yo’!

LIZZIE (menacingly)

Ef yo’ say anathin’ like dat agin I bus’ yo’ in de mouf! (Lucy Belle gives an explosive, contemptuous laugh.) Lemme tell yo’, gal, I knows a thin’ or two ’bout yo’.

LUCY BELLE

Nuffin’ but w’at yo’ make up out-a yo’ own haid.

LIZZIE

Gawd knows, how many times I see yo’ on de street las’ wintah wid Chick Avery.

LUCY BELLE (angrily)

Yo’ nevah! Yo’ lie!

LIZZIE (with a savage laugh)

Oh, yas, yo’ lil’ angel face! Yo’ nevah done nuffin’ wrong in yo’ life! (Darkly.) Lemme tell yo’ one thin’! Keep yo’ han’s off dat niggah—dis time! Ef I yere yo’ been foolin’ roun’ aftah him I’se gwine ter raise some hell. (She turns toward the door, Back.)

LUCY BELLE

Yo’ won’ do nuffin’!

LIZZIE (wheeling around)

Ask anabody dat knows me ef I don’ allas make good!

LUCY BELLE

Yo’ ain’ gwine ter do nuffin’!

LIZZIE (at the door)

Ain’ I? Yo’ wait an’ see! I’se gwine ter make dat face-a yo’s look like a piece-a sausage. Don’ yo’ come tryin’ ter play any ob dat doll-baby bus’ness wid me! Ha! Ha! Yo’ damn lil’ hussy, yo’! (She goes out, Back.)

(Lucy Belle stands gazing angrily after her. Aunt Rebecca enters, Left.)

AUNT REBECCA

Whew-me! Gawd-a-massy! Sweah out a warrant fo’ her! Go ’long! Don’ yo’ let no niggah blackguard yo’ like dat.

LUCY BELLE

I’ll git her mahse’f—an’ ef I don’, Sam will. (Fiercely.) Some night I ketch her alone an’ knock her haid off! ’Deed, I’se gwine ter clean up fo’ her right!

AUNT REBECCA

Low down yallaw wench!

LUCY BELLE (with a little wail of despair)

Now, right ’way, she got ter come mixin’ in agin. (Fiercely.) I done took all I’se gwine ter off her! (Moving about agitatedly.) ’Deed, I is! W’at she anaway? Stuck up kase she got straight hair. Nevah done a lick-a wuk in her life.

AUNT REBECCA

Hush, honey! Ain’ no use ter git all wukked up!

LUCY BELLE (with an hysterical laugh)

Ha! Ha! She think she kin keep Sam ’way from me! I like ter see her! I like ter see her!

AUNT REBECCA

Nevah yo’ min’! Nevah yo’ min’!

(A knock on the door, Back. Lucy Belle and Aunt Rebecca start.)

LUCY BELLE (calling out in tremulous tones)

Who dat?

SAM (off, Back)

Me—!

LUCY BELLE (with a gasp)

It Sam—!

(She motions to Aunt Rebecca to leave the room. The old woman goes off hurriedly, Left. Lucy Belle stands hesitant. A look of dire fear comes over her face, and she appears to be on the verge of collapse. However, with an effort she controls herself and goes uncertainly to the door, Back, and opens it. Sam steps in. He looks older and thinner than in Act I and his hair is streaked with gray, and his shoulders are a trifle more stooped than before. He wears a dark suit of clothes—the sort furnished to prisoners on the occasion of their release—a collar, but no tie, and he carries a small bundle under one arm. In one hand he carries his hat.)

SAM (springing forward with a cry of joy)

Gal—!

LUCY BELLE (rushing to him)

Sam!

(He tosses his hat and the bundle on the table, takes her in his arms and smothers her with kisses.)

SAM

Honey-baby! Honey-baby!

LUCY BELLE (murmuring softly)

Baby! Baby!

SAM

Yo’ ain’ fo’got yo’ ole Sam, is yo’?

LUCY BELLE

No, no! Oh, Sam, Sam! Mah ole Sam-boy! (Clinging tightly to him.) Oh, I’se so glad ter see yo’! Gawd bless yo’!

SAM

Honey-baby! Honey-baby!

LUCY BELLE

Ole Sam-boy! Mah honey-baby buddy-boy! I’se so glad ter see yo’!

SAM

Yo’ all did’n’ ’spec’ me, did yo’?

LUCY BELLE

No, no! Did’n’ have no idea in de worl’ I’se gwine ter see yo’ so soon. Not till jes’ a minute ago. Slim come an’ tol’ me. He say Mink Hall tol’ him.

SAM (nodding)

Yas—I seen Mink uptown.

LUCY BELLE

Ah, Sam-boy! Mah budigee lovah! Yo’ ain’ nevah gwine ter leave me agin, is yo’?

SAM

Nevah, honey! No, indeedy! Not ’less dey takes me ’way in a box.

LUCY BELLE

Yo’s de bes’ ole buddy in de worl’!

SAM

Seem ter me like I only had ter shet mah eyes—night or day—an’ see yo’ face. Only thinkin’ ’bout yo’ kep’ me from killin’ ev’body in sight w’en I’se breakin’ mah back on dem rock piles. Yo’ don’ know w’at kin’-a hell I been th’u’, gal. Kin’-a hell dat sets a man crazy—’less he’s careful.

LUCY BELLE

I knows, I knows. Mus’-a been turrible! Turrible! Oh, Gawd!

SAM

Yo’ all stay right on yere—all de time?

LUCY BELLE

Yas, yas. Calc’lated ter move two or free times but could’n’ fin’ nuffin’ ter suit me.

SAM (glancing about the room and noting that the cupboard and large easy chair are missing)

Whar’s de cupboard—an’—an’ dat ole easy chaiah?

LUCY BELLE

I—I sol’ ’em.

SAM

Sol’ ’em—!

LUCY BELLE (with a catch in her voice)

I—I was broke dere fo’ a while—an’ I had ter.

SAM (in tones of heartfelt sympathy)

Yo’ po’ kid! (Stroking her hair.) Dat’s all right. We ain’ gwine ter boder nuffin’ ’bout dat. (Studying her face intently.) Yo’ lookin’ mighty thin.

LUCY BELLE

I’se been wukkin’ hard, Sam. ’Tain’t so easy fo’ a gal alone—an’—an’—wid two chillen.

SAM

I know it ain’, honey-baby. Nevah min’—yo’ ain’ gwine ter wuk hard no mo’.

LUCY BELLE (eagerly)

Sam—Sam-boy—le’s me an’ yo’ git ’way from yere—!

SAM

W’at yo’ mean—from Wash’nin’—?

LUCY BELLE

Yas, yas. From dis ole hard-luck town!

SAM (nodding)

We study ’bout dat d’rectly.

LUCY BELLE

Le’s go ter Baltimo’. Dey was mo’ wuk w’en yo’ was ovah dere befo’—an’ dey paid bettah wages.

SAM

Don’ know how it is now.

LUCY BELLE

Jes’ de same—ev’ybody tell me. An’—an’ ef we stay yere, honey—de po-lice be aftah yo’ all de time.

SAM

No dey won’.

LUCY BELLE

Dey will—yo’ knows dey will. Ev’y time dey’s a lil’ trouble dey gwine ter pick yo’ up. An’—an’ me an’ yo’ ain’ nevah had no luck in dis town. Befo’ we was gwine ter Baltimo’ jes’ as soon as yo’ got a steady job—an’ den—at las’ we was gwine anaway. Ef—ef we’d picked right up an’ wen’ at fust ole Jeff Bisbee ’ud nevah come foolin’ ’roun’—an’ yo’d nevah wen’ ter jail—would yo’?

SAM

I reckon not.

LUCY BELLE

I knows yo’ would’n’. Aftah all de trouble we had yere—I hates dis place—! I gotta feelin’ dat nuffin’ ain’ gwine ter come right long as we stay yere. I wan’s ter git ’way! Le’s don’ wait dis time. Le’s git ’way fo’ any ob dat ole hard luck begin!

SAM

Lemme git rested up a lil’—an’ den—

LUCY BELLE

Baby, le’s git out right away—jes’ as quick as we kin. Mah monf yere ain’ up till nex’ week but I don’ care. Le’s pack up an’ beat it—an’ git ’way from all dat hard luck—an’ po-lice an’ lyin’ an’ blackguardin’ niggahs. Won’ yo’, honey-baby? Termorrer or nex’ day—de quicker de bettah.

SAM (nodding)

All right, lil’ gal. Ef dat’s w’at yo’ wan’s, I reckon we’ll do it.

LUCY BELLE (throwing her arms about him)

Baby, baby! Gawd bless yo’! Mah Sam-boy! Mah Sam-boy!

(Aunt Rebecca enters, Left.)

LUCY BELLE (breaking away from Sam)

Oh, Aun’ Becky! Glad ter see yo’!

AUNT REBECCA

Sam! Gawd bless yo’!

SAM

H’yo’ all been?

AUNT REBECCA

’Tolable! ’Tolable! Down wid rheumatiz fo’ a while—but I’se all right now. Mighty glad yo’s out.

SAM

I’se mighty glad ter be out.

AUNT REBECCA

Mus’ ’scuse me. I got ter git home an’ cook some suppah fo’ mah ole man.

LUCY BELLE

Don’ run ’way, Aun’ Becky.

AUNT REBECCA

Mus’, mah chile! See yo’ some mo!

SAM

Goodbye.

(Aunt Rebecca goes out, Back.)

LUCY BELLE (moving toward the Left)

Honey-baby, ’scuse me a minute.

SAM

Whar yo’ gwine?

LUCY BELLE (nodding toward Left)

In yere. Be right back.

(Sam nods. She goes out, Left. Sam moves slowly and thoughtfully about the room. Presently a loud knock sounds on the door, Back. As he nears it, it opens and Lizzie Gibbs rushes in.)

LIZZIE (halting abruptly)

Sam!

SAM

W’at in hell is yo’ doin’ yere?

LIZZIE

Well—Sam! So—so yo’s out again! Mah soul, but I’se damn glad ter see yo!

SAM

W’at d’yo’ wan’? D’yo’ yere me?

LIZZIE (ingratiatingly)

Sam, kid—come on wid me—fo’ a good time! Le’s cel’brate!

SAM

Ef yo’ keep foolin’ ’roun’ me, yo’s gwine ter git hurt.

LIZZIE

Sam—Sam, ole boy—now hones’, w’at is I evah done ter make yo’ treat me like yo’ has?

SAM

Go ’long! Git out-a yere!

LIZZIE (with a show of anger)

Yo’s a damn fool fo’ stickin’ ter dis gal. She don’ mean yo’ no good.

SAM (menacingly)

Shet up!

LIZZIE

She don’ care nuffin’ ’bout yo’!

SAM (stepping toward her)

Wan’ me ter bus’ yo’ in de mouf?

LIZZIE (ingratiatingly again)

Sam—I’se gwine ter git a good job uptown—Monday. I’ll keep yo’ dis wintah, ole kiddo. Yo’ won’ haf ter do no wuk. Should think yo’ wan’ ter take it easy—fo’ a while—now yo’ out-a jail. Don’ yo’? I’ll show yo’ a good time, son. Yo’ kin lay ’roun’ an’ take it easy—an’ git drunk w’en yo’-a min’ ter—

SAM

Git out-a yere!

LIZZIE

Sam, I don’ wan’ ter see nobody like yo’ git tied up agin wid a wench like her. Onct was ’nuff—but—

SAM

Git out-a yere—d’yo’ yere me? Beat it!

LIZZIE (angrily)

Yo’s a great big stiff ter let a gal like her take yo’ in.

(The door, Left, opens slightly and Lucy Belle can be seen listening.)

SAM (savagely)

Shet up!

LIZZIE

Why, she been runnin’ ’roun’ wid Chick Avery—evah since yo’ lef. Ha! Ha!

SAM

Dat’s a lie!

LIZZIE

So he’p me Gawd, dat’s de truf—an’ I kin prove it!

SAM (menacingly)

It’s a lie!

LIZZIE

She bleed yo’ ter deaf an’ den tuhn yo’ loose. I’se tellin’ yo’!

SAM (hitting her on the jaw)

Shet up! Yo’ blackguardin’ hussy!

LIZZIE (shrieking)

Murder! Murder! Po-lice! Po-lice! Murder!

(Sam darts out the door, Back. Lucy Belle closes the door, Left. Hurried footsteps are heard off stage, Back. Lizzie glances out of the window, Left Back, gives a little gasp, looks wildly about for a place to hide, runs to the closet door, opens it, darts in and pulls it shut after her. A policeman enters, Back.)

POLICEMAN (calling out)

What’s the trouble here?

(He stands looking about the room for a moment or two, then advances toward the door, Left. It suddenly opens and Lucy Belle enters.)

POLICEMAN (gruffly)

What’s the matter?

LUCY BELLE

Nuffin’—nuffin’ at all, sir.

POLICEMAN

There was so! (Striding over to her.) Who was that yellin’?

LUCY BELLE

I—I don’ know, sir. It was’n’ yere.

POLICEMAN

Stop your lyin’. I know better!

LUCY BELLE

No, no! Hones’ ter Gawd!

POLICEMAN

Say—where d’yuh get that stuff? Don’t yuh think I got ears? (Goes to the door, Left.) Who’s in here?

LUCY BELLE

Jes’ mah chillen.

(He goes out, Left. She stands watching him. In a moment he re-enters.)

POLICEMAN (studying her with an ugly, menacing look)

I’ve a good mind to lock you up anyway.

LUCY BELLE (with a beseeching wail)

Oh—, oh, please sir,—I ain’ done nuffin’!

POLICEMAN (as he moves toward the door, Back)

Yuh better watch your step. I ain’t goin’ to stand for no skylarkin’ around this neighborhood.

(He goes out, Back, and closes the door after him. Lucy Belle turns and goes off hurriedly, Left. She re-enters immediately carrying the baby in her arms and starts toward the door, Back. A second later Fanny—in her nightgown—runs in, Left.)

FANNY

Mamma!

LUCY BELLE

Hush, chile!

FANNY

Whar yo’ gwine?

LUCY BELLE

Gwine ter take de baby ovah ter yo’ Aun’ Becky’s. Git right back ter bed. Go ’long!

(Fanny goes out, Left, closing the door after her. Lucy Belle starts again toward the door, Back. Lizzie steps abruptly out from the closet.)

LIZZIE (with a sardonic leer)

So dat’s yo’ baby, is it?

LUCY BELLE (halting with a startled cry)

Oh! Oh, mah Gawd!

LIZZIE

I knowed I’d git yo’! Pretendin’ ter be such a lil’ angel! Ha! Ha! Been up ter all kin’-a tricks, ain’ yo’?

LUCY BELLE

Git out-a yere!

LIZZIE (slouching slowly toward the door, Back)

I got yo’ numbah, now—yo’ lil’ rat! Ha! Ha!

LUCY BELLE

W’at in hell d’yo’ mean? It ain’ mah chile!

LIZZIE

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ain’ yo’ chile! Ain’ yo’ chile! Yo’s a good lil’ liah, ain’ yo’?

LUCY BELLE (passionately defiant)

No—it ain’—yo’ blackguardin’ hussy!

LIZZIE

Ha! Ha! It sartainly do look like Chick—jes’ ’zactly. Wait till I tells Sam. He one-a dem kin’ dat ain’ so partic’lar. He don’ min’ accidents now an’ den. Ha! Ha! (She goes out, Back.)

(Lucy Belle stands staring tragically to the front. Suddenly a look of desperation comes into her face and she dashes out, Back. Presently Aunt Rebecca enters, Back, and looks inquiringly about.)

AUNT REBECCA (calling)

Lucy Belle! Oh, Lucy Belle!

(Fanny runs in, Left.)

FANNY

Mamma gwine ovah ter yo’ house wid de baby.

AUNT REBECCA (nonplussed)

Mah house!

FANNY

Dat w’at she say.

AUNT REBECCA

’Deed, chile, yo’ all mus’ been dreamin’.

FANNY (with a whimper)

Den—den I don’ know whar she is.

AUNT REBECCA

Yo’ been dreamin’. Go ’long back ter bed.

(Fanny reluctantly leaves, Left. Aunt Rebecca sits down in a chair and chants to herself.)

AUNT REBECCA

Devil gwine ter git yo’! Um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a! Devil gwine ter git yo’! Um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a—um—a! Devil gwine ter git yo’!

(Suddenly Slim rushes in, Back, breathing heavily and wild-eyed.)

SLIM

A-aun’ Becky!

AUNT REBECCA

Yas! Yas!

SLIM

Lucy Belle drown de baby!

AUNT REBECCA (jumping up with a shriek)

Oh! Oh, mah Gawd! Oh, oh!

SLIM (jerkily)

Me an’ Mink Hall—an’ some oder niggahs—in a game ovah by dem coal chutes. She sneak ’long by Graley’s ice house—den run out on de wharf an’ th’u it in. Me an’ Mink seen ef we would save it—but it was’n’ no use. It—it was too da’k. Soon as ’Luce seen me she run’ as fas’ as she coul’. I believe she gone plum crazy.

AUNT REBECCA

Gawd-a-massy! Gawd-a-massy! Dat po’ chile! I knowed somefin’ tumble gwine ter happen.

SLIM

Yo’—yo’ ain’ seen her, is yo’?

AUNT REBECCA

Gawd-a-massy, no!

SLIM

Come on! Le’s see ef we kin fin’ her.

(Aunt Rebecca and Slim go out, Back. In the course of a brief interval Lucy Belle enters stealthily, Back,—dishevelled and terrified. She moves agitatedly about the room, twining and intertwining her fingers. Presently Sam enters, Back.)

SAM

Lucy Belle!

LUCY BELLE (in tremulous tones—as she pulls herself together with a mighty effort)

Sam-boy!

SAM

Was’n’ gwine ter take no chances.

LUCY BELLE (avoiding his direct gaze)

No, no! Honey-baby! Mah ole budigee honey-baby! I’se so scar’t I did’n’ know w’at ter do.

SAM (sharply)

Yo’ yere w’at she was tellin’ me?

LUCY BELLE (lying)

I yere jes’ a lil’.

SAM (fiercely)

She say yo’ all been foolin’ ’roun’ wid Chick Avery.

LUCY BELLE

It’s a lie! Ain’ a wud ob truf in it!

SAM (grabbing her and searching her face with a gaze of tense scrutiny)

Have yo’?

LUCY BELLE

No, no! Sam! Fo’ Gawd’s sake! Yo’ don’ believe a devil like her, d’yo’?

SAM

Ef I ketches yo’ runnin’ wid anabody else I’se gwine ter kill yo’!

LUCY BELLE (passionately)

Sam-boy! Hones’ ter Gawd—I ain’ had nuffin’ ter do wid nobody since yo’ been gone! Nuffin’ at all! Yo’ believe yo’ lil’ budigee, don’ yo’? Don’ yo’, honey-baby?

(Lizzie enters, Back.)

LIZZIE (with a cry of triumph)

I knowed I’d git yo’ numbah!

SAM

Git out-a yere! D’yo’ wan’ me ter kill yo’?

LIZZIE

Sam—Sam—she got-a baby! It Chick Avery’s. It’s yere! Dat’s de way she treat yo’ all! Ha! Ha! Makin’ a damn fool ob yo’! I allas knowed yo’s an easy mark!

LUCY BELLE (screaming)

It’s a lie! It’s a lie! Don’ yo’ believe her, Sam!

(Sam starts for Lizzie. She backs out of the door, Back.)

LIZZIE (just outside of the doorway—at the top of her voice)

I tol’ yo’ I’d git yo’! I tol’ yo’ I’d git yo’! Ha! Ha!

(Sam starts to rush out after her. He hesitates, however, and finally bangs the door shut and turns to Lucy Belle.)

SAM (fiercely)

Yo’ yere w’at she say?

LUCY BELLE (palsied with fear)

It ain’ so! It’s a lie! Yo’ knows she could’n’ tell de truf! She nuffin’ but a dirty, lyin’ hussy—! Yo’ don’ believe her, do yo’?

SAM (harshly)

Lemme look ’roun’ yere!

LUCY BELLE

Ain’ no use, honey. Yo’ ain’ gwine ter see nuffin’.

SAM (shoving her aside roughly)

Lemme look! (He starts toward Left.)

LUCY BELLE

Ain’ nobody but Fanny an’ Israel in dere!

SAM (loudly)

Ef yo’ try any funny bus’ness wid me I’ll kill yo’! Damn yo’ heart ter hell!

(He goes out, Left, closely followed by Lucy Belle. The door stands open and their voices can be heard.)

LUCY BELLE (off stage, Left)

See, Sam—ain’ nobody but Fanny an’ Israel. Don’ wake ’em up! Jes’ mah clothes, Sam-boy! Aw, yo’ believes me—don’ yo’? Yo’ don’ believe an’ ole wench like her!

SAM (savagely)

Chick Avery been hangin’ ’roun’ yere?

LUCY BELLE

No, no! He ain’ even in town no mo’. It’s all a dirty lie! Lizzie allas blackguardin’ me—don’ yo’ know she is—evah since yo’ an’ me met up! She say anathin’—anathin’ at all ter git back at me.

(They re-enter, Left.)

SAM (grabbing her by the shoulder and swinging her around full-face to him)

Yo’ is seen Chick Avery!

LUCY BELLE

No—no—I ain’—sweah ter Gawd I ain’! Aw, Sam, yo’ believes yo’ honey-baby, don’ yo’?

(A tense pause. He stares down at her as though trying to read the truth in her eyes.)

SAM (at length)

Ef she keep on blackguardin’ yo’, I’se gwine ter kill her!

LUCY BELLE

Yo’ ain’ gwine ter boder ’bout her—or nobody, Sam-boy! We gwine ter git ’way from all dem ole niggahs like her—quick as we kin! Ain’ we, honey-baby? (Fondly.) Bes’ ole buddy in de worl’! I wan’s yo’, Sam—jes’ yo’—nuffin’ else.

SAM (muttering)

I’ll clean up fo’ dat gal!

LUCY BELLE

Yo’ loves me, don’ yo’?

SAM (impulsively taking her in his arms and clasping her tightly to him)

Yo’s all I got in de worl’! Ef yo’ fools me, I’ll tuhn bad fo’ life.

LUCY BELLE

Sam, mah budigee baby, mah ole Sam-boy baby! Ain’ nuffin’ on Gawd’s earf I would’n’ do fo’ yo’! (Earnestly, as she stares up into his face.) Yo’ an’ me’s gwine ter Baltimo’ right ’way quick—ain’ we?

(Sam nods)

SAM (fondly)

Honey-baby! Honey-baby!

(Aunt Rebecca rushes in excitedly, Back.)

AUNT REBECCA

Lucy Belle! Mah Gawd! Lucy Belle! Is yo’ crazy? Dey fish him out—de baby! Oh, mah Gawd!

(Lucy Belle gives a stifled cry and breaks away from Sam.)

SAM

Baby! W’at d’yo’ mean?

(A tense silence of several seconds. At length Sam divines her meaning. Aunt Rebecca staggers back—under the stress of the sudden realization of what the consequences of her revelation are likely to be. Lucy Belle stands at one side, moaning softly. Sam rushes at Aunt Rebecca, hits her and knocks her out through the door, Back. She screams. He rushes over, closes the door and locks it.)

SAM (rushing at Lucy Belle)

Damn yo’ black heart ter hell! (She gives an unearthly shriek.) Yo’ will double-cross me! Dis is de way yo’ pays me fo’ all I done fo’ yo’!

LUCY BELLE (dropping to her knees)

Sam—Sam—boy—listen! Lemme tell yo’! Oh, Gawd! It ain’—

SAM (grabbing her)

I’ll show yo’ how ter play dat kin’-a game!

LUCY BELLE (frantically)

Sam! Sam!

SAM

I’ll fix yo’!

(He takes her by the throat and slowly chokes her to death. She struggles desperately to free herself. At length she grows quiet and her body limp. He throws her on the floor, stands gazing at her for a moment or two, grabs up his hat, slinks to the door, Back, unlocks it, opens it cautiously and goes out, closing it after him.)

CURTAIN

Transcriber’s Note