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If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Rachel: A Play in Three Acts - -Author: Angelina Weld Grimké - -Release Date: April 19, 2021 [eBook #65112] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Mary Glenn Krause, Susan Carr and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by the Library - of Congress) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL: A PLAY IN THREE ACTS *** - - - - - - RACHEL - - - - - RACHEL - - _A Play in Three Acts_ - - ANGELINA W. GRIMKE - - - [Illustration: (Colophon)] - - - THE CORNHILL COMPANY - BOSTON - - - - - Copyright, 1920, by - THE CORNHILL COMPANY - - _All rights reserved, including that of translation into - foreign languages_ - - - - - CHARACTERS - - -MRS MARY LOVING, _a widow_. -RACHEL LOVING, _her daughter_. -THOMAS LOVING, _her son_. -JIMMY MASON, _a small boy_. -JOHN STRONG, _a friend of the family_. -MRS. LANE, _a caller_. -ETHEL LANE, _her daughter_. -MARY, -NANCY, -EDITH, -JENNY, -LOUISE, -MARTHA, - _little friends of Rachel_. - -TIME: The first decade of the Twentieth Century. - - ACT I. October 16th. - ACT II. October 16th, four years later. - ACT III. One week later. - -PLACE: A northern city. The living room in the small apartment of - Mrs. Loving. - - All of the characters are colored. - - - - - ACT I - - - - - RACHEL - - - ACT I. - - - _The scene is a room scrupulously neat and clean and plainly - furnished. The walls are painted green, the woodwork, white. In - the rear at the left an open doorway leads into a hall. Its bare, - green wall and white baseboard are all that can be seen of it. It - leads into the other rooms of the flat. In the centre of the rear - wall of the room is a window. It is shut. The white sash curtains - are pushed to right and left as far as they will go. The green - shade is rolled up to the top. Through the window can be seen the - red bricks of a house wall, and the tops of a couple of trees - moving now and then in the wind. Within the window, and just - below the sill, is a shelf upon which are a few potted plants. - Between the window and the door is a bookcase full of books and - above it, hanging on the wall, a simply framed, inexpensive copy - of Millet’s “The Reapers.” There is a run extending from the - right center to just below the right upper entrance. It is the - vestibule of the flat. Its open doorway faces the left wall. - In the right wall near the front is another window. Here the - sash curtains are drawn together and the green shade is partly - lowered. The window is up from the bottom. Through it street - noises can be heard. In front of this window is an open, threaded - sewing-machine. Some frail, white fabric is lying upon it. There - is a chair in front of the machine and at the machine’s left a - small table covered with a green cloth. In the rear of the left - wall and directly opposite to the entrance to the flat is the - doorway leading into the kitchenette, dishes on shelves can be - seen behind glass doors._ - - _In the center of the left wall is a fireplace with a grate in - it for coals; over this is a wooden mantel painted white. In - the center is a small clock. A pair of vases, green and white - in coloring, one at each end, complete the ornaments. Over the - mantel is a narrow mirror; and over this, hanging on the wall, - Burne-Jones’ “Golden Stairs,” simply framed. Against the front - end of the left wall is an upright piano with a stool in front - of it. On top is music neatly piled. Hanging over the piano is - Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna.” In the center of the floor is a - green rug, and in the center of this, a rectangular dining-room - table, the long side facing front. It is covered with a green - table-cloth. Three dining-room chairs are at the table, one at - either end and one at the rear facing front. Above the table is - a chandelier with four gas jets enclosed by glass globes. At the - right front center is a rather shabby arm-chair upholstered in - green._ - -Left and right from the spectator’s point of view. - - _Before the sewing-machine, Mrs. Loving is seated. She looks - worried. She is sewing swiftly and deftly by hand upon a waist - in her lap. It is a white, beautiful thing and she sews upon it - delicately. It is about half-past four in the afternoon; and the - light is failing. Mrs. Loving pauses in her sewing, rises and - lets the window-shade near her go up to the top. She pushes the - sash-curtains to either side, the corner of a red brick house - wall being thus brought into view. She shivers slightly, then - pushes the window down at the bottom and lowers it a trifle from - the top. The street noises become less distinct. She takes off - her thimble, rubs her hands gently, puts the thimble on again, - and looks at the clock on the mantel. She then reseats herself, - with her chair as close to the window as possible and begins - to sew. Presently a key is heard, and the door opens and shuts - noisily. Rachel comes in from the vestibule. In her left arm she - carries four or five books strapped together; under her right, a - roll of music. Her hat is twisted over her left ear and her hair - is falling in tendrils about her face. She brings into the room - with her the spirit of abounding life, health, joy, youth. Mrs. - Loving pauses, needle in hand, as soon as she hears the turning - key and the banging door. There is a smile on her face. For a - second, mother and daughter smile at each other. Then Rachel - throws her books upon the dining-room table, places the music - there also, but with care, and rushing to her mother, gives her a - bear hug and a kiss._ - -RACHEL: Ma dear! dear, old Ma dear! - -MRS. LOVING: Look out for the needle, Rachel! The waist! Oh, Rachel! - -RACHEL (_On her knees and shaking her finger directly under her - mother’s nose._): You old, old fraud! You know you adore being - hugged. I’ve a good mind.... - -MRS. LOVING: Now, Rachel, please! Besides, I know your tricks. You - think you can make me forget you are late. What time is it? - -RACHEL (_Looking at the clock and expressing surprise_): Jiminy Xmas! - (_Whistles_) Why, it’s five o’clock! - -MRS. LOVING (_Severely_): Well! - -RACHEL (_Plaintively_): Now, Ma dear, you’re going to be horrid and - cross. - -MRS. LOVING (_Laughing_): Really, Rachel, that expression is not - particularly affecting, when your hat is over your ear, and you - look, with your hair over your eyes, exactly like some one’s pet - poodle. I wonder if you are ever going to grow up and be ladylike. - -RACHEL: Oh! Ma dear, I hope not, not for the longest time, two long, - long years at least. I just want to be silly and irresponsible, and - have you to love and torment, and, of course, Tom, too. - -MRS. LOVING (_Smiling down at Rachel_): You’ll not make me forget, - young lady. Why are you late, Rachel? - -RACHEL: Well, Ma dear, I’m your pet poodle, and my hat is over my - ear, and I’m late, for the loveliest reason. - -MRS. LOVING: Don’t be silly, Rachel. - -RACHEL: That may sound silly, but it isn’t. And please don’t “Rachel” - me so much. It was honestly one whole hour ago when I opened the - front door down stairs. I know it was, because I heard the postman - telling some one it was four o’clock. Well, I climbed the first - flight, and was just starting up the second, when a little shrill - voice said, “’Lo!” I raised my eyes, and there, half-way up the - stairs, sitting in the middle of a step, was just the clearest, - cutest, darlingest little brown baby boy you ever saw. “’Lo! - yourself,” I said. “What are you doing, and who are you anyway?” - “I’m Jimmy; and I’m widing to New York on the choo-choo tars.” - As he looked entirely too young to be going such a distance by - himself, I asked him if I might go too. For a minute or two he - considered the question and me very seriously, and then he said, - “’Es,” and made room for me on the step beside him. We’ve been - everywhere: New York, Chicago, Boston, London, Paris and Oshkosh. - I wish you could have heard him say that last place. I suggested - going there just to hear him. Now, Ma dear, is it any wonder I am - late? See all the places we have been in just one “teeny, weeny” - hour? We would have been traveling yet, but his horrid, little - mother came out and called him in. They’re in the flat below, the - new people. But before he went, Ma dear, he said the “cunningest” - thing. He said, “Will you tum out an’ p’ay wif me aden in two - minutes?” I nearly hugged him to death, and it’s a wonder my hat is - on my head at all. Hats are such unimportant nuisances anyway! - -MRS. LOVING: Unimportant nuisances! What ridiculous language you do - use, Rachel! Well, I’m no prophet, but I see very distinctly what - is going to happen. This little brown baby will be living here - night and day. You’re not happy unless some child is trailing along - in your rear. - -RACHEL (_Mischievously_): Now, Ma dear, whose a hypocrite? What? I - suppose you don’t like children! I can tell you one thing, though, - it won’t be my fault if he isn’t here night and day. Oh, I wish he - were all mine, every bit of him! Ma dear, do you suppose that “she - woman” he calls mother would let him come up here until it is time - for him to go to bed? I’m going down there this minute. (_Rises - impetuously_). - -MRS. LOVING: Rachel, for Heaven’s sake! No! I am entirely too busy - and tired today without being bothered with a child romping around - in here. - -RACHEL (_Reluctantly and a trifle petulantly_): Very well, then. - (_For several moments she watches her mother, who has begun to sew - again. The displeasure vanishes from her face_). Ma dear! - -MRS. LOVING: Well. - -RACHEL: Is there anything wrong today? - -MRS. LOVING: I’m just tired, chickabiddy, that’s all. - -RACHEL (_Moves over to the table. Mechanically takes off her hat - and coat and carries them out into the entryway of the flat. She - returns and goes to the looking glass over the fireplace and tucks - in the tendrils of her hair in rather a preoccupied manner. The - electric doorbell rings. She returns to the speaking tube in the - vestibule. Her voice is heard answering_): Yes!--Yes!--No, I’m not - Mrs. Loving. She’s here, yes!--What? Oh! come right up! (_Appearing - in the doorway_). Ma dear, it’s some man, who is coming for Mrs. - Strong’s waist. - -MRS. LOVING (_Pausing and looking at Rachel_): It is probably her - son. She said she would send for it this afternoon. (_Rachel - disappears. A door is heard opening and closing. There is the sound - of a man’s voice. Rachel ushers in Mr. John Strong._) - -STRONG (_Bowing pleasantly to Mrs. Loving_): Mrs. Loving? (_Mrs. - Loving bows, puts down her sewing, rises and goes toward Strong_). - My name is Strong. My mother asked me to come by and get her waist - this afternoon. She hoped it would be finished. - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, Mr. Strong, it is all ready. If you’ll sit down a - minute, I’ll wrap it up for you. (_She goes into hallway leading to - other rooms in flat_). - -RACHEL (_Manifestly ill at ease at being left alone with a stranger; - attempting, however, to be the polite hostess_): Do sit down, Mr. - Strong. (_They both sit_). - -RACHEL (_Nervously after a pause_): It’s a very pleasant day, isn’t - it, Mr. Strong? - -STRONG: Yes, very. (_He leans back composedly, his hat on his knee, - the faintest expression of amusement in his eyes_). - -RACHEL (_After a pause_): It’s quite a climb up to our flat, don’t - you think? - -STRONG: Why, no! It didn’t strike me so. I’m not old enough yet to - mind stairs. - -RACHEL: (_Nervously_): Oh! I didn’t mean that you are old! Anyone - can see you are quite young, that is, of course, not too young, - but,--(_Strong laughs quietly_). There! I don’t blame you for - laughing. I’m always clumsy just like that. - -MRS. LOVING (_Calling from the other room_): Rachel, bring me a - needle and the sixty cotton, please. - -RACHEL: All right, Ma dear! (_Rummages for the cotton in the machine - drawer, and upsets several spools upon the floor. To Strong_): You - see! I can’t even get a spool of cotton without spilling things - all over the floor. (_Strong smiles, Rachel picks up the spools - and finally gets the cotton and needle_). Excuse me! (_Goes out - door leading to other rooms. Strong left to himself, looks around - casually. The “Golden Stairs” interests him and the “Sistine - Madonna.”_) - -RACHEL (_Reenters, evidently continuing her function of hostess_): - We were talking about the climb to our flat, weren’t we? You - see, when you’re poor, you have to live in a top flat. There is - always a compensation, though; we have bully--I mean nice air, - better light, a lovely view, and nobody “thud-thudding” up and - down over our heads night and day. The people below have our - “thud-thudding,” and it must be something _awful_, especially when - Tom and I play “Ivanhoe” and have a tournament up here. We’re - entirely too old, but we still play. Ma dear rather dreads the - climb up three flights, so Tom and I do all the errands. We don’t - mind climbing the stairs, particularly when we go up two or three - at a time,--that is--Tom still does. I can’t, Ma dear stopped me. - (_Sighs_). I’ve got to grow up it seems. - -STRONG (_Evidently amused_): It is rather hard being a girl, isn’t - it? - -RACHEL: Oh, no! It’s not hard at all. That’s the trouble; they won’t - let me be a girl. I’d love to be. - -MRS. LOVING (_Reentering with parcel. She smiles_): My Chatterbox, I - see, is entertaining you, Mr. Strong. I’m sorry to have kept you - waiting, but I forgot, I found, to sew the ruching in the neck. I - hope everything is satisfactory. If it isn’t, I’ll be glad to make - any changes. - -STRONG (_Who has risen upon her entrance_): Thank you, Mrs. Loving, - I’m sure everything is all right. (_He takes the package and bows - to her and Rachel. He moves towards the vestibule, Mrs. Loving - following him. She passes through the doorway first. Before - leaving, Strong turns for a second and looks back quietly at - Rachel. He goes out too. Rachel returns to the mirror, looks at - her face for a second, and then begins to touch and pat her hair - lightly and delicately here and there. Mrs. Loving returns_). - -RACHEL (_Still at the glass_): He _was_ rather nice, wasn’t he, Ma - dear?--for a man? (_Laughs_). I guess my reason’s a vain one,--he - let me do all the talking. (_Pauses_). Strong? Strong? Ma dear, is - his mother the little woman with the sad, black eyes? - -MRS. LOVING (_Resuming her sewing; sitting before the machine_). Yes. - I was rather curious, I confess, to see this son of hers. The whole - time I’m fitting her she talks of nothing else. She worships him. - (_Pauses_). It’s rather a sad case, I believe. She is a widow. Her - husband was a doctor and left her a little money. She came up from - the South to educate this boy. Both of them worked hard and the boy - got through college. Three months he hunted for work that a college - man might expect to get. You see he had the tremendous handicap of - being colored. As the two of them had to live, one day, without her - knowing it, he hired himself out as a waiter. He has been one now - for two years. He is evidently goodness itself to his mother. - -RACHEL (_Slowly and thoughtfully_): Just because he is _colored_! - (_Pauses_). We sing a song at school, I believe, about “The land of - the free and the home of the brave.” What an amusing nation it is. - -MRS. LOVING (_Watching Rachel anxiously_): Come, Rachel, you haven’t - time for “amusing nations.” Remember, you haven’t practised any - this afternoon. And put your books away; don’t leave them on the - table. You didn’t practise any this morning either, did you? - -RACHEL: No, Ma dear,--didn’t wake up in time. (_Goes to the table and - in an abstracted manner puts books on the bookcase; returns to the - table; picks up the roll of sheet music she has brought home with - her; brightens; impulsively_) Ma dear, just listen to this lullaby. - It’s the sweetest thing. I was so “daffy” over it, one of the girls - at school lent it to me. (_She rushes to the piano with the music - and plays the accompaniment through softly and then sings, still - softly and with great expression, Jessie Gaynor’s “Slumber Boat”_)-- - - Baby’s boat’s the silver moon; - Sailing in the sky, - Sailing o’er the sea of sleep, - While the clouds float by. - - Sail, baby, sail, - Out upon that sea, - Only don’t forget to sail - Back again to me. - - Baby’s fishing for a dream, - Fishing near and far, - His line a silver moonbeam is, - His bait a silver star. - - Sail, baby, sail, etc. - -Listen, Ma dear, right here. Isn’t it lovely? (_Plays and sings very - softly and slowly_): - - “Only don’t forget to sail - Back again to me.” - - (_Pauses; in hushed tones_) Ma dear, it’s so beautiful--it--it - hurts. - -MRS. LOVING (_Quietly_): Yes, dear, it is pretty. - -RACHEL (_For several minutes watches her mother’s profile from the - piano stool. Her expression is rather wistful_): Ma dear! - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, Rachel. - -RACHEL: What’s the matter? - -MRS. LOVING (_Without turning_): Matter! What do you mean? - -RACHEL: I don’t know. I just _feel_ something is not quite right with - you. - -MRS. LOVING: I’m only tired--that’s all. - -RACHEL: Perhaps. But--(_Watches her mother a moment or two longer; - shakes her head; turns back to the piano. She is thoughtful; looks - at her hands in her lap_). Ma dear, wouldn’t it be nice if we could - keep all the babies in the world--always little babies? Then they’d - be always little, and cunning, and lovable; and they could never - grow up, then, and--and--be bad. I’m so sorry for mothers, whose - little babies--grow up--and--and--are bad. - -MRS. LOVING (_Startled; controlling herself, looks at Rachel - anxiously, perplexedly. Rachel’s eyes are still on her hands. - Attempting a light tone_): Come, Rachel, what experience have you - had with mothers whose babies have grown up to be bad? You--you - talk like an old, old woman. - -RACHEL (_Without raising her eyes, quietly_): I know I’m not old; - but, just the same I know that is true. (_Softly_) And I’m so sorry - for the mothers. - -MRS. LOVING (_With a forced laugh_): Well, Miss Methuselah, how do - you happen to know all this? Mothers whose babies grow up to be bad - don’t, as a rule, parade their faults before the world. - -RACHEL: That’s just it--that’s _how_ you know. They don’t talk at all. - -MRS. LOVING (_Involuntarily_): Oh! (_Ceases to sew; looks at Rachel - sharply; she is plainly worried. There is a long silence. Presently - Rachel raises her eyes to Raphael’s “Madonna” over the piano. Her - expression becomes rapt; then, very softly, her eyes still on the - picture, she plays and sings Nevin’s “Mighty Lak A Rose”_)-- - - Sweetest li’l feller, - Ev’rybody knows; - Dunno what to call him, - But he mighty lak’ a rose! - Lookin’ at his Mammy - Wid eyes so shiny blue, - Mek’ you think that heav’n - Is comin’ clost ter you! - - W’en his dar a sleepin’ - In his li’l place - Think I see de angels - Lookin’ thro’ de lace. - W’en de dark is fallin’, - W’en de shadders creep, - Den dey comes on tip-toe, - Ter kiss him in his sleep. - - Sweetest li’l feller, etc. - - (_With head still raised, after she has finished, she closes her - eyes. Half to herself and slowly_) I think the loveliest thing of - all the lovely things in this world is just (_almost in a whisper_) - being a mother! - -MRS. LOVING (_Turns and laughs_): Well, of all the startling - children, Rachel! I am getting to feel, when you’re around as - though I’m shut up with dynamite. What next? (_Rachel rises, goes - slowly to her mother, and kneels down beside her. She does not - touch her mother_). Why so serious, chickabiddy? - -RACHEL (_Slowly and quietly_): It is not kind to laugh at sacred - things. When you laughed, it was as though you laughed--at God! - -MRS. LOVING (_Startled_): Rachel! - -RACHEL (_Still quietly_): It’s true. It was the best in me that - said that--it was God! (_Pauses_). And, Ma dear, if I believed - that I should grow up and not be a mother, I’d pray to die now. - I’ve thought about it a lot, Ma dear, and once I dreamed, and a - voice said to me--oh! it was so real--“Rachel, you are to be a - mother to little children.” Wasn’t that beautiful? Ever since - I have known how Mary felt at the “Annunciation.” (_Almost in - a whisper_) _God spoke to me through some one, and I believe._ - And it has explained so much to me. I know now why I just can’t - resist any child. I have to love it--it calls me--it--draws me. I - want to take care of it, wash it, dress it, live for it. I want - the feel of its little warm body against me, its breath on my - neck, its hands against my face. (_Pauses thoughtfully for a few - moments_). Ma dear, here’s something I don’t understand: I love - the little black and brown babies best of all. There is something - about them that--that--clutches at my heart. Why--why--should they - be--oh!--pathetic? I don’t understand. It’s dim. More than the - other babies, I feel that I must protect them. They’re in danger, - but from what? I don’t know. I’ve tried so hard to understand, - but I can’t. (_Her face radiant and beautiful_). Ma dear, I think - their white teeth and the clear whites of their big black eyes and - their dimples everywhere--are--are (_Breaks off_). And, Ma dear, - because I love them best, I pray God every night to give me, when - I grow up, little black and brown babies--to protect and guard. - (_Wistfully_). Now, Ma dear, don’t you see why you must never laugh - at me again? Dear, dear, Ma dear? (_Buries her head in her mother’s - lap and sobs_). - -MRS. LOVING (_For a few seconds, sits as though dazed, and then - instinctively begins to caress the head in her lap. To herself_) - And I suppose my experience is every mother’s. Sooner or later--of - a sudden she finds her own child a stranger to her. (_To Rachel, - very tenderly_) Poor little girl! Poor little chickabiddy! - -RACHEL (_Raising her head_): Why do you say, “Poor little girl,” like - that? I don’t understand. Why, Ma dear, I never saw tears in your - eyes before. Is it--is it--because you know the things I do not - understand? Oh! it _is_ that. - -MRS. LOVING (_Simply_): Yes, Rachel, and I cannot save you. - -RACHEL: Ma dear, you frighten me. Save me from _what_? - -MRS. LOVING: Just life, my little chickabiddy! - -RACHEL: Is life so terrible? I had found it mostly beautiful. How can - life be terrible, when the world is full of little children? - -MRS. LOVING (_Very sadly_): Oh, Rachel! Rachel! - -RACHEL: Ma dear, what have I said? - -MRS. LOVING (_Forcing a smile_): Why, the truth, of course, - Rachel. Life is not terrible when there are little children--and - you--and Tom--and a roof over our heads--and work--and food--and - clothes--and sleep at night. (_Pauses_). Rachel, I am not myself - today. I’m tired. Forget what I’ve said. Come, chickabiddy, wipe - your eyes and smile. That’s only an imitation smile, but it’s - better than none. Jump up now, and light the lamp for me, will you? - Tom’s late, isn’t he? I shall want you to go, too, for the rolls - and pie for supper. - -RACHEL (_Rises rather wearily and goes into the kitchenette. While - she is out of the room Mrs. Loving does not move. She sits staring - in front of her. The room for some time has been growing dark. - Mrs. Loving can just be seen when Rachel reenters with the lamp. - She places it on the small table near her mother, adjusts it, so - the light falls on her mother’s work, and then lowers the window - shades at the windows. She still droops. Mrs. Loving, while Rachel - is in the room, is industrious. Rachel puts on her hat and coat - listlessly. She does not look in the glass_). Where is the money, - Ma dear? I’m ready. - -MRS. LOVING: Before you go, Rachel, just give a look at the meat and - see if it is cooking all right, will you, dearie? - -RACHEL (_Goes out into the kitchenette and presently returns_): It’s - all right, Ma dear. - -MRS. LOVING (_While Rachel is out of the room, she takes her - pocket-book out of the machine-drawer, opens it, takes out money - and gives it to Rachel upon her return_): A dozen brown rolls, - Rachel. Be sure they’re brown! And, I guess,--an apple pie. As you - and Tom never seem to get enough apple pie, get the largest she - has. And here is a quarter. Get some candy--any kind _you_ like, - Chickabiddy. Let’s have a party tonight, I feel extravagant. Why, - Rachel! why are you crying? - -RACHEL: Nothing, dear Ma dear. I’ll be all right when I get in the - air. Goodbye! (_Rushes out of the flat. Mrs. Loving sits idle. - Presently the outer door of the flat opens and shuts with a bang, - and Tom appears. Mrs. Loving begins to work as soon as she hears - the banging door_). - -TOM: ’Lo, Ma! Where’s Sis,--out? The door’s off the latch. (_Kisses - his mother and hangs hat in entryway_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Greeting him with the same beautiful smile with which - she greeted Rachel_): Rachel just went after the rolls and pie. - She’ll be back in a few minutes. You’re late, Tommy. - -TOM: No, Ma--you forget--it’s pay day. (_With decided shyness and - awkwardness he hands her his wages_). Here, Ma! - -MRS. LOVING (_Proudly counting it_): But, Tommy, this is every bit of - it. You’ll need some. - -TOM: Not yet! (_Constrainedly_) I only wish--. Say, Ma, I hate to see - you work so hard. (_Fiercely_) Some day--some day--. (_Breaks off_). - -MRS. LOVING: Son, I’m as proud as though you had given me a million - dollars. - -TOM (_Emphatically_): I may some day,--you see. (_Abruptly changing - the subject_): Gee! Ma, I’m hungry. What’s for dinner? Smell’s good. - -MRS. LOVING: Lamb and dumplings and rice. - -TOM: Gee! I’m glad I’m living--and a pie too? - -MRS. LOVING: Apple pie, Tommy. - -TOM: Say, Ma, don’t wake me up. And shall “muzzer’s” own little boy - set the table? - -MRS. LOVING: Thank you, Son. - -TOM (_Folds the green cloth, hangs it over the back of the arm-chair, - gets white table-cloth from kitchenette and sets the table. The - whole time he is whistling blithely a popular air. He lights one of - the gas jets over the table_): Ma! - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, Son. - -TOM: I made “squad” today,--I’m quarterback. Five other fellows tried - to make it. We’ll all have to buy new hats, now. - -MRS. LOVING (_With surprise_): Buy new hats! Why? - -TOM (_Makes a ridiculous gesture to show that his head and hers are - both swelling_): Honest, Ma, I had to carry my hat in my hand - tonight,--couldn’t even get it to perch aloft. - -MRS. LOVING (_Smiling_): Well, I for one, Son, am not going to say - anything to make you more conceited. - -TOM: You don’t _have_ to say anything. Why, Ma, ever since I told - you, you can almost look down your own back your head is so high. - What? (_Mrs. Loving laughs. The outer door of the flat opens and - shuts. Rachel’s voice is heard_). - -RACHEL (_Without_): My! that was a “drefful” climb, wasn’t it? Ma, - I’ve got something here for you. (_Appears in the doorway carrying - packages and leading a little boy by the hand. The little fellow - is shy but smiling_). Hello, Tommy! Here, take these things for - me. This is Jimmy. Isn’t he a dear? Come, Jimmy. (_Tom carries the - packages into the kitchenette. Rachel leads Jimmy to Mrs. Loving_). - Ma dear, this is my brown baby. I’m going to take him right down - stairs again. His mother is as sweet as can be, and let me bring - him up just to see you. Jimmy, this is Ma dear. (_Mrs. Loving turns - expectantly to see the child. Standing before her, he raises his - face to hers with an engaging smile. Suddenly, without word or - warning, her body stiffens; her hands grip her sewing convulsively; - her eyes stare. She makes no sound_). - -RACHEL (_Frightened_): Ma dear! What is the matter? Tom! Quick! (_Tom - reenters and goes to them_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Controlling herself with an effort and breathing - hard_): Nothing, dears, nothing. I must be--I am--nervous - tonight. (_With a forced smile_) How do-you-do, Jimmy? Now, - Rachel--perhaps--don’t you think--you had better take him back to - his mother? Good-night, Jimmy! (_Eyes the child in a fascinated - way the whole time he is in the room. Rachel, very much perturbed, - takes the child out_). Tom, open that window, please! There! That’s - better! (_Still breathing deeply_). What a fool I am! - -TOM (_Patting his mother awkwardly on the back_): You’re all pegged - out, that’s the trouble--working entirely too hard. Can’t you stop - for the night and go to bed right after supper? - -MRS. LOVING: I’ll see, Tommy dear. Now, I must look after the supper. - -Tom: Huh! Well, I guess not. How old do you think Rachel and I are - anyway? I see; you think we’ll break some of this be-au-tiful - Hav-i-land china, we bought at the “Five and Ten Cent Store.” - (_To Rachel who has just reentered wearing a puzzled and worried - expression. She is without hat and coat_). Say, Rachel, do you - think you’re old enough? - -RACHEL: Old enough for what, Tommy? - -TOM: To dish up the supper for Ma. - -RACHEL (_With attempted sprightliness_): Ma dear thinks nothing - can go on in this little flat unless she does it. Let’s show her - a thing or two. (_They bring in the dinner. Mrs. Loving with - trembling hands tries to sew. Tom and Rachel watch her covertly. - Presently she gets up._) - -MRS. LOVING: I’ll be back in a minute, children. (_Goes out the door - that leads to the other rooms of the flat. Tom and Rachel look at - each other_). - -RACHEL (_In a low voice keeping her eyes on the door_): Why do you - suppose she acted so strangely about Jimmy? - -TOM: Don’t know--nervous, I guess,--worn out. I wish--(_Breaks off_). - -RACHEL (_Slowly_): It may be that; but she hasn’t been herself this - afternoon. I wonder--. Look out! Here she comes! - -TOM (_In a whisper_): Liven her up. (_Rachel nods. Mrs. Loving - reenters. Both rush to her and lead her to her place at the right - end of the table. She smiles and tries to appear cheerful. They sit - down, Tom opposite Mrs. Loving and Rachel at the side facing front. - Mrs. Loving asks grace. Her voice trembles. She helps the children - bountifully, herself sparingly. Every once in a while she stops - eating and stares blankly into her plate; then, remembering where - she is suddenly, looks around with a start and goes on eating. Tom - and Rachel appear not to notice her_). - -TOM: Ma’s “some” cook, isn’t she? - -RACHEL: Is she! Delmonico’s isn’t in it. - -TOM (_Presently_): Say, Rachel, do you remember that Reynolds boy in - the fourth year? - -RACHEL: Yes. You mean the one who is flat-nosed, freckled, and who - squints and sneers? - -TOM (_Looking at Rachel admiringly_): The same. - -RACHEL (_Vehemently_): I hate him! - -MRS. LOVING: Rachel, you do use such violent language. Why hate him? - -RACHEL: I do--that’s all. - -TOM: Ma, if you saw him just once, you’d understand. No one likes - him. But, then, what can you expect? His father’s in “quod” doing - time for something, I don’t know just what. One of the fellows says - he has a real decent mother, though. She never mentions him in any - way, shape or form, he says. Hard on her, isn’t it? Bet I’d keep my - head shut too;--you’d never get a yap out of me. (_Rachel looks up - quickly at her mother; Mrs. Loving stiffens perceptibly, but keeps - her eyes on her plate. Rachel catches Tom’s eye; silently draws his - attention to their mother; and shakes her head warningly at him_). - -TOM (_Continuing hastily and clumsily_): Well, anyway, he called me - “Nigger” today. If his face isn’t black, his eye is. - -RACHEL: Good! Oh! Why did you let the other one go? - -TOM (_Grinning_): I knew he said things behind my back; but today he - was hopping mad, because I made quarter-back. He didn’t! - -RACHEL: Oh, Tommy! How lovely! Ma dear, did you hear that? (_Chants_) - Our Tommy’s on the team! Our Tommy’s on the team! - -TOM (_Trying not to appear pleased_): Ma dear, what did I say about - er--er “capital” enlargements? - -MRS. LOVING (_Smiling_): You’re right, Son. - -TOM: I hope you got that “capital,” Rachel. How’s that for Latin - knowledge? Eh? - -RACHEL: I don’t think much of your knowledge, Tommy dear; but - (_continuing to chant_) Our Tommy’s on the team! Our Tommy’s on the - team! Our--(_Breaks off_). I’ve a good mind to kiss you. - -TOM (_Threateningly_): Don’t you dare. - -RACHEL (_Rising and going toward him_): I will! I will! I will! - -TOM (_Rising, too, and dodging her_): No, you don’t, young lady. (_A - tremendous tussle and scuffle ensues_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Laughing_): For Heaven’s sake! children, do stop - playing and eat your supper. (_They nod brightly at each other - behind her back and return smiling to the table_). - -RACHEL (_Sticking out her tongue at Tom_): I will! - -TOM (_Mimicking her_): You won’t! - -MRS. LOVING: Children! (_They eat for a time in silence_). - -RACHEL: Ma dear, have you noticed Mary Shaw doesn’t come here much - these days? - -MRS. LOVING: Why, that’s so, she doesn’t. Have you two quarreled? - -RACHEL: No, Ma dear. (_Uncomfortably_). I--think I know the - reason--but I don’t like to say, unless I’m certain. - -TOM: Well, I know. I’ve seen her lately with those two girls who have - just come from the South. Twice she bowed stiffly, and the last - time made believe she didn’t see me. - -RACHEL: Then you think--? Oh! I was afraid it was that. - -TOM (_Bitterly_): Yes--we’re “niggers”--that’s why. - -MRS. LOVING (_Slowly and sadly_): Rachel, that’s one of the things - I can’t save you from. I worried considerably about Mary, at - first--you do take your friendships so seriously. I knew exactly - how it would end. (_Pauses_). And then I saw that if Mary Shaw - didn’t teach you the lesson--some one else would. They don’t want - you, dearies, when you and they grow up. You may have everything in - your favor--but they don’t _dare_ to like you. - -RACHEL: I know all that is generally true--but I had hoped that - Mary--(_Breaks off_). - -TOM: Well, I guess we can still go on living even if people don’t - speak to us. I’ll never bow to _her_ again--that’s certain. - -MRS. LOVING: But, Son, that wouldn’t be polite, if she bowed to you - first. - -TOM: Can’t help it. I guess I can be blind, too. - -MRS. LOVING (_Wearily_): Well--perhaps you are right--I don’t know. - It’s the way I feel about it too--but--but I wish my son always to - be a _gentleman_. - -TOM: If being a _gentleman_ means not being a _man_--I don’t wish to - be one. - -RACHEL: Oh! well, perhaps we’re wrong about Mary--I hope we are. - (_Sighs_). Anyway, let’s forget it. Tommy guess what I’ve got. - (_Rises, goes out into entryway swiftly, and returns holding up a - small bag_). Ma dear treated. Guess! - -TOM: Ma, you’re a thoroughbred. Well, let’s see--it’s--a dozen dill - pickles? - -RACHEL: Oh! stop fooling. - -TOM: I’m not. Tripe? - -RACHEL: Silly! - -TOM: Hog’s jowl? - -RACHEL: Ugh! Give it up--quarter-back. - -TOM: Pig’s feet? - -RACHEL (_In pretended disgust_): Oh! Ma dear--send him from the - table. It’s CANDY! - -TOM: Candy? Funny, I never thought of that! And I was just about to - say some nice, delicious chitlings. Candy! Well! Well! (_Rachel - disdainfully carries the candy to her mother, returns to her own - seat with the bag and helps herself. She ignores Tom_). - -TOM (_In an aggrieved voice_): You see, Ma, how she treats me. (_In - affected tones_) I have a good mind, young lady to punish you, - er--er corporeally speaking. Tut! Tut! I have a mind to master - thee--I mean--you. Methinks that if I should advance upon you, - apply, perchance, two or three digits to your glossy locks and - extract--aha!--say a strand--you would no more defy me. (_He - starts to rise_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Quickly and sharply_): Rachel! give Tom the candy - and stop playing. (_Rachel obeys. They eat in silence. The old - depression returns. When the candy is all gone, Rachel pushes her - chair back, and is just about to rise, when her mother, who is - very evidently nerving herself for something, stops her_). Just a - moment, Rachel. (_Pauses, continuing slowly and very seriously_). - Tom and Rachel! I have been trying to make up my mind for some time - whether a certain thing is my duty or not. Today--I have decided it - is. You are old enough, now,--and I see you ought to be told. Do - you know what day this is? (_Both Tom and Rachel have been watching - their mother intently_). It’s the sixteenth of October. Does that - mean anything to either of you? - -TOM and RACHEL (_Wonderingly_): No. - -MRS. LOVING (_Looking at both of them thoughtfully, half to - herself_): No--I don’t know why it should. (_Slowly_) Ten years - ago--today--your father and your half-brother died. - -TOM: I do remember, now, that you told us it was in October. - -RACHEL (_With a sigh_): That explains--today. - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, Rachel. (_Pauses_). Do you know--how they--died? - -TOM and RACHEL: Why, no. - -MRS. LOVING: Did it ever strike you as strange--that they--died--the - same day? - -TOM: Well, yes. - -RACHEL: We often wondered, Tom and I; but--but somehow we never quite - dared to ask you. You--you--always refused to talk about them, you - know, Ma dear. - -MRS. LOVING: Did you think--that--perhaps--the reason--I--I--wouldn’t - talk about them--was--because, because--I was ashamed--of them? - (_Tom and Rachel look uncomfortable_). - -RACHEL: Well, Ma dear--we--we--did--wonder. - -MRS. LOVING (_Questioningly_): And you thought? - -RACHEL (_Haltingly_): W-e-l-l-- - -MRS. LOVING (_Sharply_): Yes? - -TOM: Oh! come, now, Rachel, you know we haven’t bothered about it at - all. Why should we? We’ve been happy. - -MRS. LOVING: But when you have thought--you’ve been ashamed? - (_Intensely_) Have you? - -TOM: Now, Ma, aren’t you making a lot out of nothing? - -MRS. LOVING (_Slowly_): No. (_Half to herself_) You evade--both--of - you. You _have_ been ashamed. And I never dreamed until today you - _could_ take it this way. How blind--how almost criminally blind, I - have been. - -RACHEL (_Tremulously_): Oh! Ma dear, don’t! (_Tom and Rachel watch - their mother anxiously and uncomfortably. Mrs. Loving is very - evidently nerving herself for something_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Very slowly, with restrained emotion_): Tom--and Rachel! - -TOM: Ma! - -RACHEL: Ma dear! (_A tense, breathless pause_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Bracing herself_): They--they--were lynched!! - -TOM and RACHEL (_In a whisper_): Lynched! - -MRS. LOVING (_Slowly, laboring under strong but restrained emotion_): - Yes--by Christian people--in a Christian land. We found out - afterwards they were all church members in good standing--the best - people. (_A silence_). Your father was a man among men. He was a - fanatic. He was a Saint! - -TOM (_Breathing with difficulty_): Ma--can you--will you--tell - us--about it? - -MRS. LOVING: I believe it to be my duty. (_A silence_). When I - married your father I was a widow. My little George was seven years - old. From the very beginning he worshiped your father. He followed - him around--just like a little dog. All children were like that - with him. I myself have never seen anybody like him. “Big” seems to - fit him better than any other word. He was big-bodied--big-souled. - His loves were big and his hates. You can imagine, then, how the - wrongs of the Negro--ate into his soul. (_Pauses_). He was utterly - fearless. (_A silence_). He edited and owned, for several years, - a small negro paper. In it he said a great many daring things. I - used to plead with him to be more careful. I was always afraid for - him. For a long time, nothing happened--he was too important to - the community. And then--one night--ten years ago--a mob made up - of the respectable people in the town lynched an innocent black - man--and what was worse--they knew him to be innocent. A white man - was guilty. I never saw your father so wrought up over anything: he - couldn’t eat; he couldn’t sleep; he brooded night and day over it. - And then--realizing fully the great risk he was running, although - I begged him not to--and all his friends also--he deliberately and - calmly went to work and published a most terrific denunciation of - that mob. The old prophets in the Bible were not more terrible - than he. A day or two later, he received an anonymous letter, very - evidently from an educated man, calling upon him to retract his - words in the next issue. If he refused his life was threatened. The - next week’s issue contained an arraignment as frightful, if not - more so, than the previous one. Each word was white-hot, searing. - That night, some dozen masked men came to our house. - -RACHEL (_Moaning_): Oh, Ma dear! Ma dear! - -MRS. LOVING (_Too absorbed to hear_): We were not asleep--your father - and I. They broke down the front door and made their way to our - bedroom. Your father kissed me--and took up his revolver. It was - always loaded. They broke down the door. (_A silence. She continues - slowly and quietly_) I tried to shut my eyes--I could not. Four - masked men fell--they did not move any more--after a little. - (_Pauses_). Your father was finally overpowered and dragged out. - In the hall--my little seventeen-year-old George tried to rescue - him. Your father begged him not to interfere. He paid no attention. - It ended in their dragging them both out. (_Pauses_). My little - George--was--a man! (_Controls herself with an effort_). He never - made an outcry. His last words to me were: “Ma, I am glad to go - with Father.” I could only nod to him. (_Pauses_). While they were - dragging them down the steps, I crept into the room where you were. - You were both asleep. Rachel, I remember, was smiling. I knelt down - by you--and covered my ears with my hands--and waited. I could not - pray--I couldn’t for a long time--afterwards. (_A silence_). It was - very still when I finally uncovered my ears. The only sounds were - the faint rustle of leaves and the “tap-tapping of the twig of a - tree” against the window. I hear it still--sometimes in my dreams. - _It was the tree--where they were._ (_A silence_). While I had - knelt there waiting--I had made up my mind what to do. I dressed - myself and then I woke you both up and dressed you. (_Pauses_). We - set forth. It was a black, still night. Alternately dragging you - along and carrying you--I walked five miles to the house of some - friends. They took us in, and we remained there until I had seen my - dead laid comfortably at rest. They lent me money to come North--I - couldn’t bring you up--in the South. (_A silence_). Always remember - this: There never lived anywhere--or at any time--any two whiter - or more beautiful souls. God gave me one for a husband and one for - a son and I am proud. (_Brokenly_) You--must--be--proud--too. (_A - long silence. Mrs. Loving bows her head in her hands. Tom controls - himself with an effort. Rachel creeps softly to her mother, kneels - beside her and lifts the hem of her dress to her lips. She does not - dare touch her. She adores her with her eyes_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Presently raising her head and glancing at the clock_): - Tom, it’s time, now, for you to go to work. Rachel and I will - finish up here. - -TOM (_Still laboring under great emotion goes out into the entryway - and comes back and stands in the doorway with his cap. He twirls - it around and around nervously_): I want you to know, Ma, before I - go--how--how proud I am. Why, I didn’t believe two people could be - like that--and live. And then to find out that one--was your own - father--and one--your own brother.--It’s wonderful! I’m--not much - yet, Ma, but--I’ve--I’ve just got to be something now. (_Breaks - off_). (_His face becomes distorted with passion and hatred_). When - I think--when I think--of those devils with white skins--living - somewhere today--living and happy--I--see--red! I--I--good-bye! - (_Rushes out, the door bangs_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Half to herself_): I was afraid--of just that. I - wonder--if I did the wise thing--after all. - -RACHEL (_With a gesture infinitely tender, puts her arms around her - mother_): Yes, Ma dear, you did. And, hereafter, Tom and I share - and share alike with you. To think, Ma dear, of ten years of - this--all alone. It’s wicked! (_A short silence_). - -MRS. LOVING: And, Rachel, about that dear, little boy, Jimmy. - -RACHEL: Now, Ma dear, tell me tomorrow. You’ve stood enough for one - day. - -MRS. LOVING: No, it’s better over and done with--all at once. If I - had seen that dear child suddenly any other day than this--I might - have borne it better. When he lifted his little face to me--and - smiled--for a moment--I thought it was the end--of all things. - Rachel, he is the image of my boy--my George! - -RACHEL: Ma dear! - -MRS. LOVING: And, Rachel--it will hurt--to see him again. - -RACHEL: I understand, Ma dear. (_A silence. Suddenly_) Ma dear, - I am beginning to see--to understand--so much. (_Slowly and - thoughtfully_) Ten years ago, all things being equal, Jimmy might - have been--George? Isn’t that so? - -MRS. LOVING: Why--yes, if I understand you. - -RACHEL: I guess that doesn’t sound very clear. It’s only getting - clear to me, little by little. Do you mind my thinking out loud to - you? - -MRS. LOVING: No, chickabiddy. - -RACHEL: If Jimmy went South now--and grew up--he might be--a George? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes. - -RACHEL: Then, the South is full of tens, hundreds, thousands - of little boys, who, one day may be--and some of them with - certainty--Georges? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, Rachel. - -RACHEL: And the little babies, the dear, little, helpless babies, - being born today--now--and those who will be, tomorrow, and all - the tomorrows to come--have _that_ sooner or later to look forward - to? They will laugh and play and sing and be happy and grow up, - perhaps, and be ambitious--just for _that_? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, Rachel. - -RACHEL: Then, everywhere, everywhere, throughout the South, there are - hundreds of dark mothers who live in fear, terrible, suffocating - fear, whose rest by night is broken, and whose joy by day in - their babies on their hearts is three parts--pain. Oh, I know - this is true--for this is the way I should feel, if I were little - Jimmy’s mother. How horrible! Why--it would be more merciful--to - strangle the little things at birth. And so this nation--this - white Christian nation--has deliberately set its curse upon - the most beautiful--the most holy thing in life--motherhood! - Why--it--makes--you doubt--God! - -MRS. LOVING: Oh, hush! little girl. Hush! - -RACHEL (_Suddenly with a great cry_): Why, Ma dear, _you know. You - were a mother, George’s mother._ So, this is what it means. Oh, Ma - dear! Ma dear! (_Faints in her mother’s arms_). - - - - - ACT II - - - - - ACT II. - - - TIME: _October sixteenth, four years later; seven o’clock in the - morning_. - - SCENE: _The same room. There have been very evident improvements - made. The room is not so bare; it is cosier. On the shelf, before - each window, are potted red geraniums. At the windows are green - denim drapery curtains covering fresh white dotted Swiss inner - curtains. At each doorway are green denim portieres. On the wall - between the kitchenette and the entrance to the outer rooms of - the flat, a new picture is hanging, Millet’s “The Man With the - Hoe.” Hanging against the side of the run that faces front is - Watts’s “Hope.” There is another easy-chair at the left front. - The table in the center is covered with a white table-cloth. - A small asparagus fern is in the middle of this. When the - curtain rises there is the clatter of dishes in the kitchenette. - Presently Rachel enters with dishes and silver in her hands. - She is clad in a bungalow apron. She is noticeably all of four - years older. She frowns as she sets the table. There is a set - expression about the mouth. A child’s voice is heard from the - rooms within._ - -JIMMY (_Still unseen_): Ma Rachel! - -RACHEL (_Pauses and smiles_): What is it, Jimmy boy? - -JIMMY (_Appearing in rear doorway, half-dressed, breathless and - tremendously excited over something. Rushes toward Rachel_): Three - guesses! Three guesses! Ma Rachel! - -RACHEL (_Her whole face softening_): Well, let’s see--maybe there is - a circus in town. - -JIMMY: No siree! (_In a sing-song_) You’re not right! You’re not - right! - -RACHEL: Well, maybe Ma Loving’s going to take you somewhere. - -JIMMY: No! (_Vigorously shaking his head_) It’s-- - -RACHEL (_Interrupting quickly_): You said I could have three guesses, - honey. I’ve only had two. - -JIMMY: I thought you had three. How many are three? - -RACHEL (_Counting on her fingers_): One! Two! Three! I’ve only had - one! two!--See? Perhaps Uncle Tom is going to give you some candy. - -JIMMY (_Dancing up and down_): No! No! No! (_Catches his breath_) I - leaned over the bath-tub, way over, and got hold of the chain with - the button on the end, and dropped it into the little round place - in the bottom. And then I runned lots and lots of water in the - tub and climbed over and fell in splash! just like a big stone; - (_Loudly_) and took a bath all by myself alone. - -RACHEL (_Laughing and hugging him_): All by yourself, honey? You ran - the water, too, boy, not “runned” it. What I want to know is, where - was Ma Loving all this time? - -JIMMY: I stole in “creepy-creep” and looked at Ma Loving and she was - awful fast asleep. (_Proudly_) Ma Rachel, I’m a “nawful,” big boy - now, aren’t I? I are almost a man, aren’t I? - -RACHEL: Oh! Boy, I’m getting tired of correcting you--“I am almost a - man, am I not?” Jimmy, boy, what will Ma Rachel do, if you grow up? - Why, I won’t have a little boy any more! Honey, you mustn’t grow - up, do you hear? You mustn’t. - -JIMMY: Oh, yes, I must; and you’ll have me just the same, Ma Rachel. - I’m going to be a policeman and make lots of money for you and Ma - Loving and Uncle Tom, and I’m going to buy you some trains and - fire-engines, and little, cunning ponies, and some rabbits, and - some great ’normous banks full of money--lots of it. And then, we - are going to live in a great, big castle and eat lots of ice cream, - all the time, and drink lots and lots of nice pink lemonade. - -RACHEL: What a generous Jimmy boy! (_Hugs him_). Before I give you - “morning kiss,” I must see how clean my boy is. (_Inspects teeth, - ears and neck_). Jimmy, you’re sweet and clean enough to eat. - (_Kisses him; he tries to strangle her with hugs_). Now the hands. - Oh! Jimmy, look at those nails! Oh! Jimmy! (_Jimmy wriggles and - tries to get his hands away_). Honey, get my file off of my bureau - and go to Ma Loving; she must be awake by this time. Why, honey, - what’s the matter with your feet? - -JIMMY: I don’t know. I thought they looked kind of queer, myself. - What’s the matter with them? - -RACHEL (_Laughing_): You have your shoes on the wrong feet. - -JIMMY (_Bursts out laughing_): Isn’t that most ’normously funny? I’m - a case, aren’t I--(_pauses thoughtfully_) I mean--am I not, Ma - Rachel? - -RACHEL: Yes, honey, a great big case of molasses. Come, you must - hurry now, and get dressed. You don’t want to be late for school, - you know. - -JIMMY: Ma Rachel! (_Shyly_) I--I have been making something for - you all the morning--ever since I waked up. It’s awful nice. - It’s--stoop down, Ma Rachel, please--a great, big (_puts both arms - about her neck and gives her a noisy kiss. Rachel kisses him in - return, then pushes his head back. For a long moment they look at - each other; and, then, laughing joyously, he makes believe he is a - horse, and goes prancing out of the room. Rachel, with a softer, - gentler expression, continues setting the table. Presently, Mrs. - Loving, bent and worn-looking, appears in the doorway in the rear. - She limps a trifle._) - -MRS. LOVING: Good morning, dearie. How’s my little girl, this - morning? (_Looks around the room_). Why, where’s Tom? I was certain - I heard him running the water in the tub, sometime ago. (_Limps - into the room_). - -RACHEL (_Laughing_): Tom isn’t up yet. Have you seen Jimmy? - -MRS. LOVING: Jimmy? No. I didn’t know he was awake, even. - -RACHEL (_Going to her mother and kissing her_): Well! What do you - think of that! I sent the young gentleman to you, a few minutes - ago, for help with his nails. He is very much grown up this - morning, so I suppose that explains why he didn’t come to you. - Yesterday, all day, you know, he was a puppy. No one knows what - he will be by tomorrow. All of this, Ma dear, is preliminary to - telling you that Jimmy boy has stolen a march on you, this morning. - -MRS. LOVING: Stolen a march! How? - -RACHEL: It appears that he took his bath all by himself and, as a - result, he is so conceited, peacocks aren’t in it with him. - -MRS. LOVING: I heard the water running and thought, of course, it - was Tom. Why, the little rascal! I must go and see how he has left - things. I was just about to wake him up. - -RACHEL: Rheumatism’s not much better this morning, Ma dear. - (_Confronting her mother_). Tell me the truth, now, did you or did - you not try that liniment I bought you yesterday? - -MRS. LOVING (_Guiltily_): Well, Rachel, you see--it was this way, I - was--I was so tired, last night,--I--I really forgot it. - -RACHEL: I thought as much. Shame on you! - -MRS. LOVING: As soon as I walk around a bit it will be all right. - It always is. It’s bad, when I first get up--that’s all. I’ll - be spry enough in a few minutes. (_Limps to the door; pauses_) - Rachel, I don’t know why the thought should strike me, but how - very strangely things turn out. If any one had told me four years - ago that Jimmy would be living with us, I should have laughed at - him. Then it hurt to see him; now it would hurt not to. (_Softly_) - Rachel, sometimes--I wonder--if, perhaps, God--hasn’t relented a - little--and given me back my boy,--my George. - -RACHEL: The whole thing was strange, wasn’t it? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, God’s ways are strange and often very beautiful; - perhaps all would be beautiful--if we only understood. - -RACHEL: God’s ways are certainly very mysterious. Why, of all the - people in this apartment-house, should Jimmy’s father and mother be - the only two to take the smallpox, and the only two to die. It’s - queer! - -MRS. LOVING: It doesn’t seem like two years ago, does it? - -RACHEL: Two years, Ma dear! Why it’s three the third of January. - -MRS. LOVING: Are you sure, Rachel? - -RACHEL (_Gently_): I don’t believe I could ever forget that, Ma dear. - -MRS. LOVING: No, I suppose not. That is one of the differences - between youth and old age--youth attaches tremendous importance to - dates,--old age does not. - -RACHEL (_Quickly_): Ma dear, don’t talk like that. You’re not old. - -MRS. LOVING: Oh! yes, I am, dearie. It’s sixty long years since I was - born; and I am much older than that, much older. - -RACHEL: Please, Ma dear, please! - -MRS. LOVING (_Smiling_): Very well, dearie, I won’t say it any more. - (_A pause_). By the way,--how--does Tom strike you, these days? - -RACHEL (_Avoiding her mother’s eye_): The same old, bantering, - cheerful Tom. Why? - -MRS. LOVING: I know he’s all that, dearie, but it isn’t possible for - him to be really cheerful. (_Pauses; goes on wistfully_) When you - are little, we mothers can kiss away all the trouble, but when you - grow up--and go out--into the world--and get hurt--we are helpless. - There is nothing we can do. - -RACHEL: Don’t worry about Tom, Ma dear, he’s game. He doesn’t show - the white feather. - -MRS. LOVING: Did you see him, when he came in, last night? - -RACHEL: Yes. - -MRS. LOVING: Had he had--any luck? - -RACHEL: No. (_Firmly_) Ma dear, we may as well face it--it’s - hopeless, I’m afraid. - -MRS. LOVING: I’m afraid--you are right. (_Shakes her head sadly_) - Well, I’ll go and see how Jimmy has left things and wake up Tom, if - he isn’t awake yet. It’s the waking up in the mornings that’s hard. - (_Goes limping out rear door. Rachel frowns as she continues going - back and forth between the kitchenette and the table. Presently Tom - appears in the door at the rear. He watches Rachel several moments - before he speaks or enters. Rachel looks grim enough_). - -TOM (_Entering and smiling_): Good-morning, “Merry Sunshine”! Have - you, perhaps, been taking a--er--prolonged draught of that very - delightful beverage--vinegar? (_Rachel, with a knife in her hand, - looks up unsmiling. In pretended fright_) I take it all back, - I’m sure. May I request, humbly, that before I press my chaste, - morning salute upon your forbidding lips, that you--that you--that - you--er--in some way rid yourself of that--er--knife? (_Bows as - Rachel puts it down_). I thank you. (_He comes to her and tips her - head back; gently_) What’s the matter with my little Sis? - -RACHEL (_Her face softening_): Tommy dear, don’t mind me. I’m getting - wicked, I guess. At present I feel just like---- like curdled milk. - Once upon a time, I used to have quite a nice disposition, didn’t - I, Tommy? - -TOM (_Smiling_): Did you, indeed! I’m not going to flatter you. Well, - brace yourself, old lady. Ready, One! Two! Three! Go! (_Kisses her, - then puts his hands on either side of her face, and raising it, - looks down into it_). You’re a pretty, decent little sister, Sis, - that’s what T. Loving thinks about it; and he knows a thing or two. - (_Abruptly looking around_) Has the paper come yet? - -RACHEL: I haven’t looked, it must have, though, by this time. (_Tom, - hands in his pockets, goes into the vestibule. He whistles. The - outer door opens and closes, and presently he saunters back, - newspaper in hand. He lounges carelessly in the arm-chair and looks - at Rachel_). - -TOM: May T. Loving be of any service to you? - -RACHEL: Service! How? - -TOM: May he run, say, any errands, set the table, cook the breakfast? - Anything? - -RACHEL (_Watching the lazy figure_): You look like working. - -TOM (_Grinning_): It’s at least--polite--to offer. - -RACHEL: You can’t do anything; I don’t trust you to do it right. - You may just sit there, and read your paper--and try to behave - yourself. - -TOM (_In affectedly meek tones_): Thank you, ma’am. (_Opens the - paper, but does not read. Jimmy presently enters riding around the - table on a cane. Rachel peeps in from the kitchenette and smiles. - Tom puts down his paper_). ’Lo! Big Fellow, what’s this? - -JIMMY (_Disgustedly_): How can I hear? I’m miles and miles away yet. - (_Prances around and around the room; presently stops near Tom, - attempting a gruff voice_) Good-morning! - -TOM (_Lowering his paper again_): Bless my stars! Who’s this? Well, - if it isn’t Mr. Mason! How--do--you--do, Mr. Mason? That’s a - beautiful horse you have there. He limps a trifle in his left, - hind, front foot, though. - -JIMMY: He doesn’t! - -TOM: He does! - -JIMMY (_Fiercely_): He doesn’t! - -TOM (_As fiercely_): I say he does! - -MRS. LOVING (_Appearing in the doorway in the rear_): For Heaven’s - sake! What is this? Good-morning, Tommy. - -TOM (_Rising and going toward his mother, Jimmy following astride - of the cane in his rear_): Good-morning, Ma. (_Kisses her; lays - his head on her shoulder and makes believe he is crying; in a high - falsetto_) Ma! Jimmy says his horse doesn’t limp in his hind, front - right leg, and I say he does. - -JIMMY (_Throws his cane aside, rolls on the floor and kicks up his - heels. He roars with laughter_): I think Uncle Tom is funnier than - any clown in the “Kickus.” - -TOM (_Raising his head and looking down at Jimmy; Rachel stands in - the kitchenette doorway_): In the _what_, Jimmy? - -JIMMY: In the “kickus,” of course. - -TOM: “Kickus”! “Kickus”! Oh, Lordy! (_Tom and Rachel shriek with - laughter; Mrs. Loving looks amused; Jimmy, very much affronted, - gets upon his feet again. Tom leans over and swings Jimmy high in - the air_). Boy, you’ll be the death of me yet. Circus, son! Circus! - -JIMMY (_From on high, soberly and with injured dignity_): Well, I - thinks “Kickus” and circus are very much alike. Please put me down. - -RACHEL (_From the doorway_): We laugh, honey, because we love you so - much. - -JIMMY (_Somewhat mollified, to Tom_): Is that so, Uncle Tom? - -TOM: Surest thing in the world! (_Severely_) Come, get down, young - man. Don’t you know you’ll wear my arms out? Besides, there is - something in my lower vest pocket, that’s just dying to come to - you. Get down, I say. - -JIMMY (_Laughing_): How can I get down? (_Wriggles around_). - -TOM: How should I know? Just get down, of course. (_Very suddenly - puts Jimmy down on his feet. Jimmy tries to climb up over him_). - -JIMMY: Please sit down, Uncle Tom? - -TOM (_In feigned surprise_): Sit down! What for? - -JIMMY (_Pummeling him with his little fists, loudly_): Why, you said - there was something for me in your pocket. - -TOM (_Sitting down_): So I did. How forgetful I am! - -JIMMY (_Finding a bright, shiny penny, shrieks_): Oh! Oh! Oh! - (_Climbs up and kisses Tom noisily_). - -TOM: Why, Jimmy! You embarrass me. My! My! - -JIMMY: What is ’barrass? - -TOM: You make me blush. - -JIMMY: What’s that? - -MRS. LOVING: Come, come, children! Rachel has the breakfast on the - table. (_Tom sits in Jimmy’s place and Jimmy tries to drag him - out_). - -TOM: What’s the matter, now? - -JIMMY: You’re in _my_ place. - -TOM: Well, can’t you sit in mine? - -JIMMY (_Wistfully_): I wants to sit by my Ma Rachel. - -TOM: Well, so do I. - -RACHEL: Tom, stop teasing Jimmy. Honey, don’t you let him bother you; - ask him please prettily. - -JIMMY: Please prettily, Uncle Tom. - -TOM: Oh! well then. (_Gets up and takes his own place. They sit as - they did in Act I. only Jimmy sits between Tom, at the end, and - Rachel_). - -JIMMY (_Loudly_): Oh, goody! goody! goody! We’ve got sau-sa-ges. - -MRS. LOVING: Sh! - -JIMMY (_Silenced for a few moments; Rachel ties a big napkin around - his neck, and prepares his breakfast. He breaks forth again - suddenly and excitedly_): Uncle Tom! - -TOM: Sir? - -JIMMY: I took a bath this morning, all by myself alone, in the - bath-tub, and I ranned, no (_Doubtfully_) I runned, I think--the - water all in it, and got in it all by myself; and Ma Loving thought - it was you; but it was _me_. - -TOM (_In feignedly severe tones_): See here, young man, this won’t - do. Don’t you know I’m the only one who is allowed to do that here? - It’s a perfect waste of water--that’s what it is. - -JIMMY (_Undaunted_): Oh! no, you’re not the only one, ’cause Ma - Loving and Ma Rachel and me--alls takes baths every single morning. - So, there! - -TOM: You ’barrass me. (_Jimmy opens his mouth to ask a question; Tom - quickly_) Young gentleman, your mouth is open. Close it, sir; close - it. - -MRS. LOVING: Tom, you’re as big a child exactly as Jimmy. - -TOM (_Bowing to right and left_): You compliment me. I thank you, I - am sure. - - (_They finish in silence._) - -JIMMY (_Sighing with contentment_): I’m through, Ma Rachel. - -MRS. LOVING: Jimmy, you’re a big boy, now, aren’t you? (_Jimmy nods - his head vigorously and looks proud._) I wonder if you’re big - enough to wash your own hands, this morning? - -JIMMY (_Shrilly_): Yes, ma’am. - -MRS. LOVING: Well, if they’re beautifully clean, I’ll give you - another penny. - -JIMMY (_Excitedly to Rachel_): Please untie my napkin, Ma Rachel! - (_Rachel does so._) “Excoose” me, please. - -MRS. LOVING AND RACHEL: Certainly. (_Jimmy climbs down and rushes out - at the rear doorway._) - -MRS. LOVING (_Solemnly and slowly; breaking the silence_): Rachel, do - you know what day this is? - -RACHEL (_Looking at her plate; slowly_): Yes, Ma dear. - -MRS. LOVING: Tom. - -TOM (_Grimly and slowly_): Yes, Ma. - - (_A silence._) - -MRS. LOVING (_Impressively_): We must never--as long--as we - live--forget this day. - -RACHEL: No, Ma dear. - -TOM: No, Ma. - - (_Another silence._) - -TOM (_Slowly; as though thinking aloud_): I hear people talk about - God’s justice--and I wonder. There, are you, Ma. There isn’t a - sacrifice--that you haven’t made. You’re still working your fingers - to the bone--sewing--just so all of us may keep on living. Rachel - is a graduate in Domestic Science; she was high in her class; most - of the girls below her in rank have positions in the schools. - I’m an electrical engineer--and I’ve tried steadily for several - months--to practice my profession. It seems our educations aren’t - of much use to us: we aren’t allowed to make good--because our - skins are dark. (_Pauses_) And, in the South today, there are - white men--(_Controls himself_). They have everything; they’re - well-dressed, well-fed, well-housed; they’re prosperous in - business; they’re important politically; they’re pillars in the - church. I know all this is true--I’ve inquired. Their children - (our ages, some of them) are growing up around them; and they are - having a square deal handed out to them--college, position, wealth, - and best of all, freedom, without galling restrictions, to work - out their own salvations. With ability, they may become--anything; - and all this will be true of their children’s children after - them. (_A pause_). Look at us--and look at them. We are destined - to failure--they, to success. Their children shall grow up in - hope; ours, in despair. Our hands are clean;--theirs are red with - blood--red with the blood of a noble man--and a boy. They’re - nothing but low, cowardly, bestial murderers. The scum of the earth - shall succeed.--God’s justice, I suppose. - -MRS. LOVING (_Rising and going to Tom; brokenly_): Tom, promise - me--one thing. - -TOM (_Rises gently_): What is it, Ma? - -MRS. LOVING: That--you’ll try--not to lose faith--in God. I’ve been - where you are now--and it’s black. Tom, we don’t understand God’s - ways. My son, I know, now--He is beautiful. Tom, won’t you try to - believe, again? - -TOM (_Slowly, but not convincingly_): I’ll try, Ma. - -MRS. LOVING (_Sighs_): Each one, I suppose, has to work out his own - salvation. (_After a pause_) Rachel, if you’ll get Jimmy ready, - I’ll take him to school. I’ve got to go down town shopping for - a customer, this morning. (_Rachel rises and goes out the rear - doorway; Mrs. Loving, limping very slightly now, follows. She - turns and looks back yearningly at Tom, who has seated himself - again, and is staring unseeingly at his plate. She goes out. Tom - sits without moving until he hears Mrs. Loving’s voice within and - Rachel’s faintly; then he gets the paper, sits in the arm-chair and - pretends to read_). - -MRS. LOVING (_From within_): A yard, you say, Rachel? You’re - sure that will be enough. Oh! you’ve measured it. Anything - else?--What?--Oh! all right. I’ll be back by one o’clock, anyway. - Good-bye. (_Enters with Jimmy. Both are dressed for the street. Tom - looks up brightly at Jimmy_). - -TOM: Hello! Big Fellow, where are you taking _my_ mother, I’d like to - know? This is a pretty kettle of fish. - -JIMMY (_Laughing_): Aren’t you funny, Uncle Tom! Why, I’m not taking - her anywhere. She’s taking me. (_Importantly_) I’m going to school. - -TOM: Big Fellow, come here. (_Jimmy comes with a rush_). Now, where’s - that penny I gave you? No, I don’t want to see it. All right. Did - Ma Loving give you another? (_Vigorous noddings of the head from - Jimmy_). I wish you to promise me solemnly--Now, listen! Here, - don’t wriggle so! not to buy--Listen! too many pints of ice-cream - with my penny. Understand? - -JIMMY (_Very seriously_): Yes, Uncle Tom, cross my “tummy”! I promise. - -TOM: Well, then, you may go. I guess that will be all for the - present. (_Jimmy loiters around looking up wistfully into his - face_). Well? - -JIMMY: Haven’t you--aren’t you--isn’t you--forgetting something? - -TOM (_Grabbing at his pockets_): Bless my stars! what now? - -JIMMY: If you could kind of lean over this way. (_Tom leans - forward_). No, not that way. (_Tom leans toward the side away from - Jimmy_). No, this way, this way! (_Laughs and pummels him with his - little fists_). This way! - -TOM (_Leaning toward Jimmy_): Well, why didn’t you say so, at first? - -JIMMY (_Puts his arms around Tom’s neck and kisses him_): Good-bye, - dear old Uncle Tom. (_Tom catches him and hugs him hard_). I likes - to be hugged like that--I can taste--sau-sa-ges. - -TOM: You ’barrass me, son. Here, Ma, take your boy. Now remember all - I told you, Jimmy. - -JIMMY: I ’members. - -MRS. LOVING: God bless you, Tom. Good luck. - -JIMMY (_To Tom_): God bless you, Uncle Tom. Good luck! - -TOM (_Much affected, but with restraint, rising_): Thank - you--Good-bye. (_Mrs. Loving and Jimmy go out through the - vestibule. Tom lights a cigarette and tries to read the paper. He - soon sinks into a brown study. Presently Rachel enters humming. Tom - relights his cigarette; and Rachel proceeds to clear the table. In - the midst of this, the bell rings three distinct times_). - -RACHEL and TOM: John! - -TOM: I wonder what’s up--It’s rather early for him.--I’ll go. (_Rises - leisurely and goes out into the vestibule. The outer door opens - and shuts. Men’s voices are heard. Tom and John Strong enter. - During the ensuing conversation Rachel finishes clearing the table, - takes the fern off, puts on the green table-cloth, places a doily - carefully in the centre, and replaces the fern. She apparently pays - no attention to the conversation between her brother and Strong. - After she has finished, she goes to the kitchenette. The rattle of - dishes can be heard now and then_). - -RACHEL (_Brightly_): Well, stranger, how does it happen you’re out so - early in the morning? - -STRONG: I hadn’t seen any of you for a week, and I thought I’d come - by, on my way to work, and find out how things are going. There is - no need of asking how you are, Rachel. And the mother and the boy? - -RACHEL: Ma dear’s rheumatism still holds on.--Jimmy’s fine. - -STRONG: I’m sorry to hear that your mother is not well. There isn’t - a remedy going that my mother doesn’t know about. I’ll get her - advice and let you know. (_Turning to Tom_) Well, Tom, how goes it? - (_Strong and Tom sit_). - -TOM (_Smiling grimly_): There’s plenty of “go,” but no “git there.” - (_There is a pause_). - -STRONG: I was hoping for better news. - -TOM: If I remember rightly, not so many years ago, you tried--and - failed. Then, a colored man had hardly a ghost of a show;--now he - hasn’t even the ghost of a ghost. (_Rachel has finished and goes - into the kitchenette_). - -STRONG: That’s true enough. (_A pause_). What are you going to do? - -TOM (_Slowly_): I’ll do this little “going act” of mine the rest of - the week; (_pauses_) and then, I’ll do anything I can get to do. If - necessary, I suppose, I can be a “White-wing.” - -STRONG: Tom, I came--(_Breaks off; continuing slowly_) Six years ago, - I found I was up against a stone wall--your experience, you see, to - the letter. I couldn’t let my mother starve, so I became a waiter. - (_Pauses_). I studied waiting; I made a science of it, an art. In - a comparatively short time, I’m a head-waiter and I’m up against - another stonewall. I’ve reached my limit. I’m thirty-two now, and - I’ll die a head-waiter. (_A pause_). College friends, so-called, - and acquaintances used to come into the restaurant. One or two at - first--attempted to commiserate with me. They didn’t do it again. I - waited upon them--I did my best. Many of them tipped me. (_Pauses - and smiles grimly_). I can remember my first tip, still. They - come in yet; many of them are already powers, not only in this - city, but in the country. Some of them make a personal request - that I wait upon them. I am an artist, now, in my proper sphere. - They tip me well, extremely well--the larger the tip, the more - pleased they are with me. Because of me, in their own eyes, they’re - philanthropists. Amusing, isn’t it? I can stand their attitude now. - My philosophy--learned hard, is to make the best of everything you - can, and go on. At best, life isn’t so very long. You’re wondering - why I’m telling you all this. I wish you to see things exactly - as they are. There are many disadvantages and some advantages in - being a waiter. My mother can live comfortably; I am able, even, to - see that she gets some of the luxuries. Tom, it’s this way--I can - always get you a job as a waiter; I’ll teach you the art. If you - care to begin the end of the week--all right. And remember this, as - long as I keep my job--this offer holds good. - -TOM: I--I--(_Breaks off_) Thank you. (_A pause; then smiling wryly_) - I guess it’s safe enough to say, you’ll see me at the end of the - week. John you’re--(_Breaking off again. A silence interrupted - presently by the sound of much vigorous rapping on the outer door - of the flat. Rachel appears and crosses over to the vestibule_). - Hear the racket! My kiddies gently begging for admittance. It’s - about twenty minutes of nine, isn’t it? (_Tom nods_). I thought - so. (_Goes into the entryway; presently reappears with a group - of six little girls ranging in age from five to about nine. All - are fighting to be close to her; and all are talking at once. - There is one exception: the smallest tot is self-possessed and - self-sufficient. She carries a red geranium in her hand and gives - it her full attention_). - -LITTLE MARY: It’s my turn to get “Morning kiss” first, this morning, - Miss Rachel. You kissed Louise first yesterday. You said you’d - kiss us “alphebettically.” (_Ending in a shriek_). You promised! - (_Rachel kisses Mary, who subsides_). - -LITTLE NANCY (_Imperiously_): Now, me. (_Rachel kisses her, and then - amid shrieks, recriminations, pulling of hair, jostling, etc., she - kisses the rest. The small tot is still oblivious to everything - that is going on_). - -RACHEL (_Laughing_): You children will pull me limb from limb; and - then I’ll be all dead; and you’ll be sorry--see, if you aren’t. - (_They fall back immediately. Tom and John watch in amused silence. - Rachel loses all self-consciousness, and seems to bloom in the - children’s midst_). Edith! come here this minute, and let me tie - your hair-ribbon again. Nancy, I’m ashamed of you, I saw you trying - to pull it off. (_Nancy looks abashed but mischievous_). Louise, - you look as sweet as sweet, this morning; and Jenny, where did you - get the pretty, pretty dress? - -LITTLE JENNY (_Snuffling, but proud_): My mother made it. (_Pauses - with more snuffles_). My mother says I have a very bad cold. - (_There is a brief silence interrupted by the small tot with the - geranium_). - -LITTLE MARTHA (_In a sweet, little voice_): I--have--a--pitty--’ittle - flower. - -RACHEL: Honey, it’s beautiful. Don’t you want “Morning kiss” too? - -LITTLE MARTHA: Yes, I do. - -RACHEL: Come, honey. (_Rachel kisses her_). Are you going to give the - pretty flower to Jenny’s teacher? (_Vigorous shakings of the head - in denial_). Is it for--mother? (_More shakings of the head_). Is - it for--let’s see--Daddy? (_More shakings of the head_). I give up. - To whom are you going to give the pretty flower, honey? - -LITTLE MARTHA (_Shyly_): “Oo.” - -RACHEL: You, darling! - -LITTLE MARTHA: Muzzer and I picked it--for “oo.” Here ’tis. (_Puts - her finger in her mouth, and gives it shyly_). - -RACHEL: Well, I’m going to pay you with three big kisses. One! Two! - Three! - -LITTLE MARTHA: I can count, One! Two! Free! Tan’t I? I am going to - school soon; and I wants to put the flower in your hair. - -RACHEL (_Kneels_): All right, baby. (_Little Martha fumbles and - Rachel helps her_). - -LITTLE MARTHA (_Dreamily_): Miss Rachel, the ’ittle flower loves - you. It told me so. It said it wanted to lie in your hair. It is - going to tell you a pitty ’ittle secret. You listen awful hard--and - you’ll hear. I wish I were a fairy and had a little wand, I’d turn - everything into flowers. Wouldn’t that be nice, Miss Rachel? - -RACHEL: Lovely, honey! - -LITTLE JENNY (_Snuffling loudly_): If I were a fairy and had a wand, - I’d turn you, Miss Rachel, into a queen--and then I’d always be - near you and see that you were happy. - -RACHEL: Honey, how beautiful! - -LITTLE LOUISE: I’d make my mother happy--if I were a fairy. She cries - all the time. My father can’t get anything to do. - -LITTLE NANCY: If I were a fairy, I’d turn a boy in my school into a - spider. I hate him. - -RACHEL: Honey, why? - -LITTLE NANCY: I’ll tell you sometime--I hate him. - -LITTLE EDITH: Where’s Jimmy, Miss Rachel? - -RACHEL: He went long ago; and chickies, you’ll have to clear out, - all of you, now, or you’ll be late. Shoo! Shoo! (_She drives them - out prettily before her. They laugh merrily. They all go into the - vestibule_). - -TOM (_Slowly_): Does it ever strike you--how pathetic and tragic a - thing--a little colored child is? - -STRONG: Yes. - -TOM: Today, we colored men and women, everywhere--are up against - it. Every year, we are having a harder time of it. In the South, - they make it as impossible as they can for us to get an education. - We’re hemmed in on all sides. Our one safeguard--the ballot--in - most states, is taken away already, or is being taken away. - Economically, in a few lines, we have a slight show--but at what - a cost! In the North, they make a pretence of liberality: they - give us the ballot and a good education, and then--snuff us out. - Each year, the problem just to live, gets more difficult to solve. - How about these children--if we’re fools enough to have any? - (RACHEL _reenters. Her face is drawn and pale. She returns to the - kitchenette._) - -STRONG (_Slowly, with emphasis_): That part--is damnable! (_A - silence._) - -TOM (_Suddenly looking at the clock_): It’s later than I thought. - I’ll have to be pulling out of here now, if you don’t mind. - (_Raising his voice_) Rachel! (_Rachel still drawn and pale, - appears in the doorway of the kitchenette. She is without her - apron_). I’ve got to go now, Sis. I leave John in your hands. - -STRONG: I’ve got to go, myself, in a few minutes. - -TOM: Nonsense, man! Sit still. I’ll begin to think, in a minute, - you’re afraid of the ladies. - -STRONG: I am. - -TOM: What! And not ashamed to acknowledge it? - -STRONG: No. - -TOM: You’re lots wiser than I dreamed. So long! (_Gets hat out in the - entry-way and returns; smiles wryly._) “Morituri Salutamus”. (_They - nod at him--Rachel wistfully. He goes out. There is the sound of an - opening and closing door. Rachel sits down. A rather uncomfortable - silence, on the part of Rachel, ensues. Strong is imperturbable._) - -RACHEL (_Nervously_): John! - -STRONG: Well? - -RACHEL: I--I listened. - -STRONG: Listened! To what? - -RACHEL: To you and Tom. - -STRONG: Well,--what of it? - -RACHEL: I didn’t think it was quite fair not to tell you. It--it - seemed, well, like eavesdropping. - -STRONG: Don’t worry about it. Nonsense! - -RACHEL: I’m glad--I want to thank you for what you did for Tom. He -needs you, and will need you. You’ll help him? - -STRONG: (_Thoughtfully_): Rachel, each one--has his own little - battles. I’ll do what I can. After all, an outsider doesn’t help - much. - -RACHEL: But friendship--just friendship--helps. - -STRONG: Yes. (_A silence_). Rachel, do you hear anything encouraging - from the schools? Any hope for you yet? - -RACHEL: No, nor ever will be. I know that now. There’s no more chance - for me than there is for Tom,--or than there was for you--or for - any of us with dark skins. It’s lucky for me that I love to keep - house, and cook, and sew. I’ll never get anything else. Ma dear’s - sewing, the little work Tom has been able to get, and the little - sewing I sometimes get to do--keep us from the poorhouse. We live. - According to your philosophy, I suppose, make the best of it--it - might be worse. - -STRONG (_Quietly_): You don’t want to get morbid over these things, - you know. - -RACHEL (_Scornfully_): That’s it. If you see things as they are, - you’re either pessimistic or morbid. - -STRONG: In the long run, do you believe, that attitude of mind--will - be--beneficial to you? I’m ten years older than you. I tried your - way. I know. Mine is the only sane one. (_Goes over to her slowly; - deliberately puts his hands on her hair, and tips her head back. He - looks down into her face quietly without saying anything_). - -RACHEL (_Nervous and startled_): Why, John, don’t! (_He pays no - attention, but continue to look down into her face_). - -STRONG (_Half to himself_): Perhaps--if you had--a little more fun in - your life, your point of view would be--more normal. I’ll arrange - it so I can take you to some theatre, one night, this week. - -RACHEL (_Irritably_): You talk as though I were a--a jellyfish. - You’ll take me, how do you know _I’ll_ go? - -STRONG: You will. - -RACHEL (_Sarcastically_): Indeed! (STRONG _makes no reply_). I wonder - if you know how--how--maddening you are. Why, you talk as though my - will counts for nothing. It’s as if you’re trying to master me. I - think a domineering man is detestable. - -STRONG (_Softly_): If he’s, perhaps, _the_ man? - -RACHEL (_Hurriedly, as though she had not heard_): Besides, some of - these theatres put you off by yourself as though you had leprosy. - I’m not going. - -STRONG (_Smiling at her_): You know I wouldn’t ask you to go, under - those circumstances. (_A silence_). Well, I must be going now. - (_He takes her hand, and looks at it reverently. Rachel, at first - resists; but he refuses to let go. When she finds it useless, - she ceases to resist. He turns his head and smiles down into her - face_). Rachel, I am coming back to see you, this evening. - -RACHEL: I’m sure _we’ll_ all be very glad to see you. - -STRONG (_Looking at her calmly_): I said--_you_. (_Very deliberately, - he turns her hand palm upwards, leans over and kisses it; then - he puts it back into her lap. He touches her cheek lightly_). - Good-bye--little Rachel. (_Turns in the vestibule door and looks - back, smiling_). Until tonight. (_He goes out. Rachel sits for - some time without moving. She is lost in a beautiful day-dream. - Presently she sighs happily, and after looking furtively around the - room, lifts the palm John has kissed to her lips. She laughs shyly - and jumping up, begins to hum. She opens the window at the rear of - the room and then commences to thread the sewing-machine. She hums - happily the whole time. A light rapping is heard at the outer door. - Rachel listens. It stops, and begins again. There is something - insistent, and yet hopeless in the sound. Rachel looking puzzled, - goes out into the vestibule.... The door closes. Rachel, a black - woman, poorly dressed, and a little ugly, black child come in. - There is the stoniness of despair in the woman’s face. The child is - thin, nervous, suspicious, frightened_). - -MRS. LANE (_In a sharp, but toneless voice_): May I sit down? I’m - tired. - -RACHEL (_Puzzled, but gracious; draws up a chair for her_): Why, - certainly. - -MRS. LANE: No, you don’t know me--never even heard of me--nor I - of you. I was looking at the vacant flat on this floor--and saw - your name--on your door,--“Loving!” It’s a strange name to come - across--in this world.--I thought, perhaps, you might give me some - information. (_The child hides behind her mother and looks around - at Rachel in a frightened way_). - -RACHEL (_Smiling at the woman and child in a kindly manner_): I’ll be - glad to tell you anything, I am able Mrs.-- - -MRS. LANE: Lane. What I want to know is, how do they treat the - colored children in the school I noticed around the corner? (_The - child clutches at her mother’s dress_). - -RACHEL (_Perplexed_): Very well--I’m sure. - -MRS. LANE (_Bluntly_): What reason have you for being sure? - -RACHEL: Why, the little boy I’ve adopted goes there; and he’s very - happy. All the children in this apartment-house go there too; and I - know they’re happy. - -MRS. LANE: Do you know how many colored children there are in the - school? - -RACHEL: Why, I should guess around thirty. - -MRS. LANE: I see. (_Pauses_). What color is this little adopted boy - of yours? - -RACHEL (_Gently_): Why--he’s brown. - -MRS. LANE: Any black children there? - -RACHEL (_Nervously_): Why--yes. - -MRS. LANE: Do you mind if I send Ethel over by the piano to sit? - -RACHEL: N--no, certainly not. (_Places a chair by the piano and goes - to the little girl holding out her hand. She smiles beautifully. - The child gets farther behind her mother_). - -MRS. LANE: She won’t go to you--she’s afraid of everybody now but her - father and me. Come Ethel. (_Mrs. Lane takes the little girl by the - hand and leads her to the chair. In a gentler voice_) Sit down, - Ethel. (_Ethel obeys. When her mother starts back again toward - Rachel, she holds out her hands pitifully. She makes no sound_). - I’m not going to leave you, Ethel. I’ll be right over here. You - can see me. (_The look of agony on the child’s face, as her mother - leaves her, makes Rachel shudder_). Do you mind if we sit over here - by the sewing-machine? Thank you. (_They move their chairs_). - -RACHEL (_Looking at the little, pitiful figure watching its mother - almost unblinkingly_): Does Ethel like apples, Mrs. Lane? - -MRS. LANE: Yes. - -RACHEL: Do you mind if I give her one? - -MRS. LANE: No. Thank you, very much. - -RACHEL (_Goes into the kitchenette and returns with a fringed napkin, - a plate, and a big, red apple, cut into quarters. She goes to the - little girl, who cowers away from her; very gently_). Here, dear, - little girl, is a beautiful apple for you. (_The gentle tones have - no appeal for the trembling child before her_). - -MRS. LANE (_Coming forward_): I’m sorry, but I’m afraid she won’t - take it from you. Ethel, the kind lady has given you an apple. - Thank her nicely. Here! I’ll spread the napkin for you, and put the - plate in your lap. Thank the lady like a good little girl. - -ETHEL (_Very low_): Thank you. (_They return to their seats. Ethel - with difficulty holds the plate in her lap. During the rest of the - interview between Rachel and her mother, she divides her attention - between the apple on the plate and her mother’s face. She makes - no attempt to eat the apple, but holds the plate in her lap with - a care that is painful to watch. Often, too, she looks over her - shoulder fearfully. The conversation between Rachel and her mother - is carried on in low tones_). - -MRS. LANE: I’ve got to move--it’s _Ethel_. - -RACHEL: What is the matter with that child? It’s--it’s heartbreaking - to see her. - -MRS. LANE: I understand how you feel,--I don’t feel anything, myself, - any more. (_A pause_). My husband and I are poor, and we’re ugly - and we’re black. Ethel looks like her father more than she does - like me. We live in 55th Street--near the railroad. It’s a poor - neighborhood, but the rent’s cheap. My husband is a porter in a - store; and, to help out, I’m a caretaker. (_Pauses_). I don’t know - why I’m telling you all this. We had a nice little home--and the - three of us were happy. Now we’ve got to move. - -RACHEL: Move! Why? - -MRS. LANE: It’s Ethel. I put her in school this September. She stayed - two weeks. (_Pointing to Ethel_) That’s the result. - -RACHEL (_In horror_): You mean--that just two weeks--in school--did - that? - -MRS. LANE: Yes. Ethel never had a sick day in her life--before. (_A - brief pause_). I took her to the doctor at the end of the two - weeks. He says she’s a nervous wreck. - -RACHEL: But what could they have done to her? - -MRS. LANE (_Laughs grimly and mirthlessly_): I’ll tell you what they - did the first day. Ethel is naturally sensitive and backward. - She’s not assertive. The teacher saw that, and, after I had left, - told her to sit in a seat in the rear of the class. She was alone - there--in a corner. The children, immediately feeling there was - something wrong with Ethel because of the teacher’s attitude, - turned and stared at her. When the teacher’s back was turned they - whispered about her, pointed their fingers at her and tittered. The - teacher divided the class into two parts, divisions, I believe, - they are called. She forgot all about Ethel, of course, until the - last minute, and then, looking back, said sharply: “That little - girl there may join this division,” meaning the group of pupils - standing around her. Ethel naturally moved slowly. The teacher - called her sulky and told her to lose a part of her recess. When - Ethel came up--the children drew away from her in every direction. - She was left standing alone. The teacher then proceeded to give a - lesson about kindness to animals. Funny, isn’t it, _kindness_ to - _animals_? The children forgot Ethel in the excitement of talking - about their pets. Presently, the teacher turned to Ethel and said - disagreeably: “Have you a pet?” Ethel said, “Yes,” very low. “Come, - speak up, you sulky child, what is it?” Ethel said: “A blind - puppy.” They all laughed, the teacher and all. Strange, isn’t it, - but Ethel loves that puppy. She spoke up: “It’s mean to laugh at a - little blind puppy. I’m glad he’s blind.” This remark brought forth - more laughter. “Why are you glad,” the teacher asked curiously. - Ethel refused to say. (_Pauses_). When I asked her why, do you know - what she told me? “If he saw me, he might not love me any more.” - (_A pause_). Did I tell you that Ethel is only seven years old? - -RACHEL (_Drawing her breath sharply_): Oh! I didn’t believe any one - could be as cruel as that--to a little child. - -MRS. LANE: It isn’t very pleasant, is it? When the teacher found out - that Ethel wouldn’t answer, she said severely: “Take your seat!” At - recess, all the children went out. Ethel could hear them playing - and laughing and shrieking. Even the teacher went too. She was - made to sit there all alone--in that big room--because God made - her ugly--and black. (_Pauses_). When the recess was half over the - teacher came back. “You may go now,” she said coldly. Ethel didn’t - stir. “Did you hear me?” “Yes’m.” “Why don’t you obey?” “I don’t - want to go out, please.” “You don’t, don’t you, you stubborn child! - Go immediately!” Ethel went. She stood by the school steps. No one - spoke to her. The children near her moved away in every direction. - They stopped playing, many of them, and watched her. They stared as - only children can stare. Some began whispering about her. Presently - one child came up and ran her hand roughly over Ethel’s face. She - looked at her hand and Ethel’s face and ran screaming back to the - others, “It won’t come off! See!” Other children followed the - first child’s example. Then one boy spoke up loudly: “I know what - she is, she’s a nigger!” Many took up the cry. God or the devil - interfered--the bell rang. The children filed in. One boy boldly - called her “Nigger!” before the teacher. She said, “That isn’t - nice,”--but she smiled at the boy. Things went on about the same - for the rest of the day. At the end of school, Ethel put on her hat - and coat--the teacher made her hang them at a distance from the - other pupils’ wraps; and started for home. Quite a crowd escorted - her. They called her “Nigger!” all the way. I _made_ Ethel go the - next day. I complained to the authorities. They treated me lightly. - I was determined not to let them force my child out of school. At - the end of two weeks--I had to take her out. - -RACHEL (_Brokenly_): Why,--I never--in all my life--heard - anything--so--pitiful. - -MRS. LANE: Did you ever go to school here? - -RACHEL: Yes. I was made to feel my color--but I never had an - experience like that. - -MRS. LANE: How many years ago were you in the graded schools? - -RACHEL: Oh!--around ten. - -MRS. LANE (_Laughs grimly_): Ten years! Every year things are getting - worse. Last year wasn’t as bad as this. (_Pauses._) So they treat - the children all right in this school? - -RACHEL: Yes! Yes! I know that. - -MRS. LANE: I can’t afford to take this flat here, but I’ll take it. - I’m going to have Ethel educated. Although, when you think of - it,--it’s all rather useless--this education! What are our children - going to do with it, when they get it? We strive and save and - sacrifice to educate them--and the whole time--down underneath, we - know--they’ll have no chance. - -RACHEL (_Sadly_): Yes, that’s true, all right.--God seems to have - forgotten us. - -MRS. LANE: God! It’s all a lie about God. I know.--This fall I - sent Ethel to a white Sunday-school near us. She received the - same treatment there she did in the day school. Her being there, - nearly broke up the school. At the end, the superintendent called - her to him and asked her if she didn’t know of some nice colored - Sunday-school. He told her she must feel out of place, and - uncomfortable there. That’s your Church of God! - -RACHEL: Oh! how unspeakably brutal. (_Controls herself with an - effort; after a pause_) Have you any other children? - -MRS. LANE (_Dryly_): Hardly! If I had another--I’d kill it. It’s - kinder. (_Rising presently_) Well, I must go, now. Thank you, - for your information--and for listening. (_Suddenly_) You aren’t - married, are you? - -RACHEL: No. - -MRS. LANE: Don’t marry--that’s my advice. Come, Ethel. (_Ethel gets - up and puts down the things in her lap, carefully upon her chair. - She goes in a hurried, timid way to her mother and clutches her - hand_). Say good-bye to the lady. - -ETHEL (_Faintly_): Good-bye. - -RACHEL _(Kneeling by the little girl--a beautiful smile on her - face_) Dear little girl, won’t you let me kiss you good-bye? I - love little girls. (_The child hides behind her mother; continuing - brokenly_) Oh!--no child--ever did--that to me--before! - -MRS. LANE (_In a gentler voice_): Perhaps, when we move in here, - the first of the month, things may be better. Thank you, again. - Good-morning! You don’t belie your name. (_All three go into the - vestibule. The outside door opens and closes. Rachel as though - dazed and stricken returns. She sits in a chair, leans forward, and - clasping her hands loosely between her knees, stares at the chair - with the apple on it where Ethel Lane has sat. She does not move - for some time. Then she gets up and goes to the window in the rear - center and sits there. She breathes in the air deeply and then goes - to the sewing-machine and begins to sew on something she is making. - Presently her feet slow down on the pedals; she stops; and begins - brooding again. After a short pause, she gets up and begins to pace - up and down slowly, mechanically, her head bent forward. The sharp - ringing of the electric bell breaks in upon this. Rachel starts and - goes slowly into the vestibule. She is heard speaking dully through - the tube_). - -RACHEL: Yes!--All right! Bring it up! (_Presently she returns with - a long flower box. She opens it listlessly at the table. Within - are six, beautiful crimson rosebuds with long stems. Rachel looks - at the name on the card. She sinks down slowly on her knee and - leans her head against the table. She sighs wearily_) Oh! John! - John!--What are we to do?--I’m--I’m--afraid! Everywhere--it is - the same thing. My mother! My little brother! Little, black, - crushed Ethel! (_In a whisper_) Oh! God! You who I have been - taught to believe are so good, so beautiful how could--You - permit--these--things? (_Pauses, raises her head and sees the - rosebuds. Her face softens and grows beautiful, very sweetly_). - Dear little rosebuds--you--make me think--of sleeping, curled - up, happy babies. Dear beautiful, little rosebuds! (_Pauses; - goes on thoughtfully to the rosebuds_) When--I look--at you--I - believe--God is beautiful. He who can make a little exquisite thing - like this, and this can’t be cruel. Oh! He can’t mean me--to give - up--love--and the hope of little children. (_There is the sound of - a small hand knocking at the outer door. Rachel smiles_). My Jimmy! - It must be twelve o’clock. (_Rises_). I didn’t dream it was so - late. (_Starts for the vestibule_). Oh! the world can’t be so bad. - I don’t believe it. I won’t. I _must_ forget that little girl. My - little Jimmy is happy--and today John--sent me beautiful rosebuds. - Oh, there are lovely things, yet. (_Goes into the vestibule. A - child’s eager cry is heard; and Rachel carrying Jimmy in her arms - comes in. He has both arms about her neck and is hugging her. With - him in her arms, she sits down in the armchair at the right front_). - -RACHEL: Well, honey, how was school today? - -JIMMY (_Sobering a trifle_): All right, Ma Rachel. (_Suddenly sees - the roses_) Oh! look at the pretty flowers. Why, Ma Rachel, you - forgot to put them in water. They’ll die. - -RACHEL: Well, so they will. Hop down this minute, and I’ll put them - in right away. (_Gathers up box and flowers and goes into the - kitchenette. Jimmy climbs back into the chair. He looks thoughtful - and serious. Rachel comes back with the buds in a tall, glass vase. - She puts the fern on top of the piano, and places the vase in the - centre of the table_). There, honey, that’s better, isn’t it? - Aren’t they lovely? - -JIMMY: Yes, that’s lots better. Now they won’t die, will they? - Rosebuds are just like little “chilyun,” aren’t they, Ma Rachel? - If you are good to them, they’ll grow up into lovely roses, won’t - they? And if you hurt them, they’ll die. Ma Rachel do you think - all peoples are kind to little rosebuds? - -RACHEL (_Watching Jimmy shortly_): Why, of course. Who could hurt - little children? Who would have the heart to do such a thing? - -JIMMY: If you hurt them, it would be lots kinder, wouldn’t it, to - kill them all at once, and not a little bit and a little bit? - -RACHEL (_Sharply_): Why, honey boy, why are you talking like this? - -JIMMY: Ma Rachel, what is a “Nigger”? - - (_Rachel recoils as though she had been struck_). - -RACHEL: Honey boy, why--why do you ask that? - -JIMMY: Some big boys called me that when I came out of school just - now. They said: “Look at the little nigger!” And they laughed. One - of them runned, no ranned, after me and threw stones; and they all - kept calling “Nigger! Nigger! Nigger!” One stone struck me hard in - the back, and it hurt awful bad; but I didn’t cry, Ma Rachel. I - wouldn’t let them make me cry. The stone hurts me there, Ma Rachel; - but what they called me hurts and hurts here. What is a “Nigger,” - Ma Rachel? - -RACHEL (_Controlling herself with a tremendous effort. At last she - sweeps down upon him and hugs and kisses him_): Why, honey boy, - those boys didn’t mean anything. Silly, little, honey boy! They’re - rough, that’s all. How _could_ they mean anything? - -JIMMY: You’re only saying that, Ma Rachel, so I won’t be hurt. I - know. It wouldn’t ache here like it does--if they didn’t mean - something. - -RACHEL (_Abruptly_): Where’s Mary, honey? - -JIMMY: She’s in her flat. She came in just after I did. - -RACHEL: Well, honey, I’m going to give you two big cookies and two to - take to Mary; and you may stay in there and play with her, till I - get your lunch ready. Won’t that be jolly? - -JIMMY (_Brightening a little_): Why, you never give me but one at a - time. You’ll give me two?--One? Two? (_Rachel gets the cookies and - brings them to him. Jimmy climbs down from the chair_). Shoo! now, - little honey boy. See how many laughs you can make for me, before I - come after you. Hear? Have a good time, now. (_Jimmy starts for the - door quickly; but he begins to slow down. His face gets long and - serious again. Rachel watches him_). - -RACHEL (_Jumping at him_): Shoo! Shoo! Get out of here quickly, - little chicken. (_She follows him out. The outer door opens and - shuts. Presently she returns. She looks old and worn and grey; - calmly. Pauses_). First, it’s little, black Ethel--and then’s - it’s Jimmy. Tomorrow, it will be some other little child. The - blight--sooner or later--strikes all. My little Jimmy, only - seven years old poisoned! (_Through the open window comes the - laughter of little children at play. Rachel, shuddering, covers - her ears_). And once I said, centuries ago, it must have been: - “How can life be so terrible, when there are little children in - the world?” Terrible! Terrible! (_In a whisper, slowly_) That’s - the reason it is so terrible. (_The laughter reaches her again; - this time she listens_). And, suddenly, some day, from out of the - black, the blight shall descend, and shall still forever--the - laughter on those little lips, and in those little hearts. (_Pauses - thoughtfully_). And the loveliest thing--almost, that ever happened - to me, that beautiful voice, in my dream, those beautiful words: - “Rachel, you are to be the mother to little children.” (_Pauses, - then slowly and with dawning surprise_). Why, God, you were making - a mock of me; you were laughing at me. I didn’t believe God could - laugh at our sufferings, but He can. We are accursed, accursed! - We have nothing, absolutely nothing. (_Strong’s rosebuds attract - her attention. She goes over to them, puts her hand out as if to - touch them, and then shakes her head, very sweetly_) No, little - rosebuds, I may not touch you. Dear, little, baby rosebuds,--I - am accursed. (_Gradually her whole form stiffens, she breathes - deeply; at last slowly_). You God!--You terrible, laughing God! - Listen! I swear--and may my soul be damned to all eternity, - if I do break this oath--I swear--that no child of mine shall - ever lie upon my breast, for I will not have it rise up, in the - terrible days that are to be--and call me cursed. (_A pause, very - wistfully; questioningly_). Never to know the loveliest thing in - all the world--the feel of a little head, the touch of little - hands, the beautiful utter dependence--of a little child? (_With - sudden frenzy_) You can laugh, Oh God! Well, so can I. (_Bursts - into terrible, racking laughter_) But I can be kinder than You. - (_Fiercely she snatches the rosebuds from the vase, grasps them - roughly, tears each head from the stem, and grinds it under her - feet. The vase goes over with a crash; the water drips unheeded - over the table-cloth and floor_). If I kill, You Mighty God, I kill - at once--I do not torture. (_Falls face downward on the floor. The - laughter of the children shrills loudly through the window_). - - - - - ACT III - - - - - ACT III. - - - TIME: _Seven o’clock in the evening, one week later_. - - PLACE: _The same room. There is a coal fire in the grate. The - curtains are drawn. A lighted oil lamp with a dark green - porcelain shade is in the center of the table. Mrs. Loving and - Tom are sitting by the table, Mrs. Loving sewing, Tom reading. - There is the sound of much laughter and the shrill screaming of - a child from the bedrooms. Presently Jimmy clad in a flannelet - sleeping suit, covering all of him but his head and hands, chases - a pillow, which has come flying through the doorway at the rear. - He struggles with it, finally gets it in his arms, and rushes as - fast as he can through the doorway again. Rachel jumps at him - with a cry. He drops the pillow and shrieks. There is a tussle - for possession of it, and they disappear. The noise grows louder - and merrier. Tom puts down his paper and grins. He looks at his - mother._ - -TOM: Well, who’s the giddy one in this family now? - -MRS. LOVING (_Shaking her head in a troubled manner_): I don’t like - it. It worries me. Rachel--(_Breaks off_). - -TOM: Have you found out, yet-- - -MRS. LOVING (_Turning and looking toward the rear doorway, quickly - interrupting him_): Sh! (_Rachel, laughing, her hair tumbling over - her shoulders, comes rushing into the room. Jimmy is in close - pursuit. He tries to catch her, but she dodges him. They are both - breathless_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Deprecatingly_): Really, Rachel, Jimmy will be so - excited he won’t be able to sleep. It’s after his bedtime, now. - Don’t you think you had better stop? - -RACHEL: All right, Ma dear. Come on, Jimmy; let’s play “Old Folks” - and sit by the fire. (_She begins to push the big armchair over to - the fire. Tom jumps up, moves her aside, and pushes it himself. - Jimmy renders assistance._) - -TOM: Thanks, Big Fellow, you are “sure some” strong. I’ll remember - you when these people around here come for me to move pianos and - such things around. Shake! (_They shake hands_). - -JIMMY (_Proudly_): I am awful strong, am I not? - -TOM: You “sure” are a Hercules. (_Hurriedly, as Jimmy’s mouth and - eyes open wide_). And see here! don’t ask me tonight who that was. - I’ll tell you the first thing tomorrow morning. Hear? (_Returns to - his chair and paper_). - -RACHEL (_Sitting down_): Come on, honey boy, and sit in my lap. - -JIMMY (_Doubtfully_): I thought we were going to play “Old Folks.” - -RACHEL: We are. - -JIMMY: Do old folks sit in each other’s laps? - -RACHEL: Old folks do anything. Come on. - -JIMMY (_Hesitatingly climbs into her lap, but presently snuggles - down and sighs audibly from sheer content; Rachel starts to bind - up her hair_): Ma Rachel, don’t please! I like your hair like - that. You’re--you’re pretty. I like to feel of it; and it smells - like--like--oh!--like a barn. - -RACHEL: My! how complimentary! I like that. Like a barn, indeed! - -JIMMY: What’s “complimentry”? - -RACHEL: Oh! saying nice things about me. (_Pinching his cheek and - laughing_) That my hair is like a barn, for instance. - -JIMMY (_Stoutly_): Well, that is “complimentary.” It smells like - hay--like the hay in the barn you took me to, one day, last summer. - ’Member? - -RACHEL: Yes honey. - -JIMMY (_After a brief pause_): Ma Rachel! - -RACHEL: Well? - -JIMMY: Tell me a story, please. It’s “story-time,” now, isn’t it? - -RACHEL: Well, let’s see. (_They both look into the fire for a space; - beginning softly_) Once upon a time, there were two, dear, little - boys, and they were all alone in the world. They lived with a - cruel, old man and woman, who made them work hard, very hard--all - day, and beat them when they did not move fast enough, and always, - every night, before they went to bed. They slept in an attic on - a rickety, narrow bed, that went screech! screech! whenever they - moved. And, in summer, they nearly died with the heat up there, - and in winter, with the cold. One wintry night, when they were - both weeping very bitterly after a particularly hard beating, they - suddenly heard a pleasant voice saying: “Why are you crying, little - boys?” They looked up, and there, in the moonlight, by their bed, - was the dearest, little old lady. She was dressed all in gray, - from the peak of her little pointed hat to her little, buckled - shoes. She held a black cane much taller than her little self. - Her hair fell about her ears in tiny, grey corkscrew curls, and - they bobbed about as she moved. Her eyes were black and bright--as - bright as--well, as that lovely, white light there. No, there! And - her cheeks were as red as the apple I gave you yesterday. Do you - remember? - -JIMMY (_Dreamily_): Yes. - -RACHEL: “Why are you crying, little boys?” she asked again, in a - lovely, low, little voice. “Because we are tired and sore and - hungry and cold; and we are all alone in the world; and we don’t - know how to laugh any more. We should so like to laugh again.” - “Why, that’s easy,” she said, “it’s just like this.” And she - laughed a little, joyous, musical laugh. “Try!” she commanded. - They tried, but their laughing boxes were very rusty, and they - made horrid sounds. “Well,” she said, “I advise you to pack up, - and go away, as soon as you can, to the Land of Laughter. You’ll - soon learn there, I can tell you.” “Is there such a land?” they - asked doubtfully. “To be sure there is,” she answered the least bit - sharply. “We never heard of it,” they said. “Well, I’m sure there - must be plenty of things you never heard about,” she said just - the “leastest” bit more sharply. “In a moment you’ll be telling - me flowers don’t talk together, and the birds.” “We never heard - of such a thing,” they said in surprise, their eyes like saucers. - “There!” she said, bobbing her little curls. “What did I tell you? - You have much to learn.” “How do you get to the Land of Laughter?” - they asked. “You go out of the eastern gate of the town, just as - the sun is rising; and you take the highway there, and follow it; - and if you go with it long enough, it will bring you to the very - gates of the Land of Laughter. It’s a long, long way from here; - and it will take you many days.” The words had scarcely left her - mouth, when, lo! the little lady disappeared, and where she had - stood was the white square of moonlight--nothing else. And without - more ado these two little boys put their arms around each other - and fell fast asleep. And in the grey, just before daybreak, they - awoke and dressed; and, putting on their ragged caps and mittens, - for it was a wintry day, they stole out of the house and made for - the eastern gate. And just as they reached it, and passed through, - the whole east leapt into fire. All day they walked, and many - days thereafter, and kindly people, by the way, took them in and - gave them food and drink and sometimes a bed at night. Often they - slept by the roadside, but they didn’t mind that for the climate - was delightful--not too hot, and not too cold. They soon threw away - their ragged little mittens. They walked for many days, and there - was no Land of Laughter. Once they met an old man, richly dressed, - with shining jewels on his fingers, and he stopped them and asked: - “Where are you going so fast, little boys?” “We are going to the - Land of Laughter,” they said together gravely. “That,” said the - old man, “is a very foolish thing to do. Come with me, and I will - take you to the Land of Riches. I will cover you with garments of - beauty, and give you jewels and a castle to live in and servants - and horses and many things besides.” And they said to him: “No, - we wish to learn how to laugh again; we have forgotten how, and - we are going to the Land of Laughter.” “You will regret not going - with me. See, if you don’t,” he said; and he left them in quite - a huff. And they walked again, many days, and again they met an - old man. He was tall and imposing-looking and very dignified. - And he said: “Where are you going so fast, little boys?” “We are - going to the Land of Laughter,” they said together very seriously. - “What!” he said, “that is an extremely foolish thing to do. Come - with me, and I will give you power. I will make you great men: - generals, kings, emperors, Whatever you desire to accomplish will - be permitted you.” And they smiled politely: “Thank you very much, - but we have forgotten how to laugh, and we are going there to - learn how.” He looked upon them haughtily, without speaking, and - disappeared. And they walked and walked more days; and they met - another old man. And he was clad in rags, and his face was thin, - and his eyes were unhappy. And he whispered to them: “Where are - you going so fast, little boys?” “We are going to the Land of - Laughter,” they answered, without a smile. “Laughter! Laughter! - that is useless. Come with me and I will show you the beauty of - life through sacrifice, suffering for others. That is the only - life. I come from the Land of Sacrifice.” And they thanked him - kindly, but said: “We have suffered long enough. We have forgotten - how to laugh. We would learn again.” And they went on; and he - looked after them very wistfully. They walked more days, and at - last they came to the Land of Laughter. And how do you suppose they - knew this? Because they could hear, over the wall, the sound of - joyous laughter,--the laughter of men, women, and children. And one - sat guarding the gate, and they went to her. “We have come a long, - long distance; and we would enter the Land of Laughter.” “Let me - see you smile, first,” she said gently. “I sit at the gate; and no - one who does not know how to smile may enter the Land of Laughter.” - And they tried to smile, but could not. “Go away and practice,” - she said kindly, “and come back tomorrow.” And they went away, and - practiced all night how to smile; and in the morning they returned, - and the gentle lady at the gate said: “Dear little boys, have you - learned how to smile?” And they said: “We have tried. How is this?” - “Better,” she said, “much better. Practice some more, and come - back tomorrow.” And they went away obediently and practiced, And - they came the third day. And she said: “Now try again.” And tears - of delight came into her lovely eyes. “Those were very beautiful - smiles,” she said. “Now, you may enter.” And she unlocked the gate, - and kissed them both, and they entered the Land--the beautiful Land - of Laughter. Never had they seen such blue skies, such green trees - and grass; never had they heard such birds songs. And people, men, - women and children, laughing softly, came to meet them, and took - them in, and made them as home; and soon, very soon, they learned - to sleep. And they grew up here, and married, and had laughing, - happy children. And sometimes they thought of the Land of Riches, - and said: “Ah! well!” and sometimes of the Land of Power, and - sighed a little; and sometimes of the Land of Sacrifice--and their - eyes were wistful. But they soon forgot, and laughed again. And - they grew old, laughing. And then when they died--a laugh was on - their lips. Thus are things in the beautiful Land of Laughter. - (_There is a long pause_). - -JIMMY: I like that story, Ma Rachel. It’s nice to laugh, isn’t is? Is - there such a land? - -RACHEL (_Softly_): What do you think, honey? - -JIMMY: I thinks it would be awful nice if there was. Don’t you? - -RACHEL (_Wistfully_): If there only were! If there only were! - -JIMMY: Ma Rachel. - -RACHEL: Well? - -JIMMY: It makes you think--kind of--doesn’t it--of sunshine medicine? - -RACHEL: Yes, honey,--but it isn’t medicine there. It’s always - there--just like--well--like our air here. It’s _always_ sunshine - there. - -JIMMY: Always sunshine? Never any dark? - -RACHEL: No, honey. - -JIMMY: You’d--never--be--afraid there, then, would you? Never afraid - of nothing? - -RACHEL: No, honey. - -JIMMY (_With a big sigh_): Oh!--Oh! I _wisht_ it was here--not there. - (_Puts his hand up to Rachel’s face; suddenly sits up and looks at - her_). Why, Ma Rachel dear, you’re crying. Your face is all wet. - Why! Don’t cry! Don’t cry! - -RACHEL (_Gently_): Do you remember that I told you the lady at the - gate had tears of joy in her eyes, when the two, dear, little boys - smiled that beautiful smile? - -JIMMY: Yes. - -RACHEL: Well, these are tears of joy, honey, that’s all--tears of joy. - -JIMMY: It must be awful queer to have tears of joy, ’cause you’re - happy. I never did. (_With a sigh_). But, if you say they are, dear - Ma Rachel, they must be. You knows everything, don’t you? - -RACHEL (_Sadly_): Some things, honey, some things. (_A silence_). - -JIMMY (_Sighing happily_): This is the beautiful-est night I ever - knew. If you would do just one more thing, it would be lots more - beautiful. Will you, Ma Rachel? - -RACHEL: Well, what, honey? - -JIMMY: Will you sing--at the piano, I mean, it’s lots prettier that - way--the little song you used to rock me to sleep by? You know, the - one about the “Slumber Boat”? - -RACHEL: Oh! honey, not tonight. You’re too tired. It’s bedtime now. - -JIMMY (_Patting her face with his little hand; wheedlingly_): Please! - Ma Rachel, please! pretty please! - -RACHEL: Well, honey boy, this once, then. Tonight, you shall have the - little song--I used to sing you to sleep by (_half to herself_) - perhaps, for the last time. - -JIMMY: Why, Ma Rachel, why the last time? - -RACHEL (_Shaking her head sadly, goes to the piano; in a whisper_): - The last time. (_She twists up her hair into a knot at the back - of her head and looks at the keys for a few moments; then she - plays the accompaniment of the “Slumber Boat” through softly, - and, after a moment, sings. Her voice is full of pent-up longing, - and heartbreak, and hopelessness. She ends in a little sob, but - attempts to cover it by singing, lightly and daintily, the chorus - of “The Owl and the Moon.” ... Then softly and with infinite - tenderness, almost against her will, she plays and sings again the - refrain of the “Slumber Boat”_): - - “Sail, baby, sail - Out from that sea, - Only don’t forget to sail - Back again to me.” - - (_Presently she rises and goes to Jimmy, who is lolling back - happily in the big chair. During the singing, Tom and Mrs. Loving - apparently do not listen; when she sobs, however, Tom’s hand on - his paper tightens; Mrs. Loving’s needle poises for a moment in - mid-air. Neither looks at Rachel. Jimmy evidently has not noticed - the sob_). - -RACHEL (_Kneeling by Jimmy_): Well, honey, how did you like it? - -JIMMY (_Proceeding to pull down her hair from the twist_): It was - lovely, Ma Rachel. (_Yawns audibly_). Now, Ma Rachel, I’m just - beautifully sleepy. (_Dreamily_) I think that p’r’aps I’ll go to - the Land of Laughter tonight in my dreams. I’ll go in the “Slumber - Boat” and come back in the morning and tell you all about it. Shall - I? - -RACHEL: Yes, honey. (_Whispers_) - - “Only don’t forget to sail - Back again to me.” - -TOM (_Suddenly_): Rachel! (_Rachel starts slightly_). I nearly - forgot. John is coming here tonight to see how you are. He told me - to tell you so. - -RACHEL (_Stiffens perceptibly, then in different tones_): Very - well. Thank you. (_Suddenly with a little cry she puts her arms - around Jimmy_) Jimmy! honey! don’t go tonight. Don’t go without Ma - Rachel. Wait for me, honey. I do so wish to go, too, to the Land of - Laughter. Think of it, Jimmy; nothing but birds always singing, and - flowers always blooming, and skies always blue--and people, all of - them, always laughing, laughing. You’ll wait for Ma Rachel, won’t - you, honey? - -JIMMY: Is there really and truly, Ma Rachel, a Land of Laughter? - -RACHEL: Oh! Jimmy, let’s hope so; let’s pray so. - -JIMMY (_Frowns_): I’ve been thinking--(_Pauses_). You have to smile - at the gate, don’t you, to get in? - -RACHEL: Yes, honey. - -JIMMY: Well, I guess I couldn’t smile if my Ma Rachel wasn’t - somewhere close to me. So I couldn’t get in after all, could I? - Tonight, I’ll go somewhere else, and tell you all about it. And - then, some day, we’ll go together, won’t we? - -RACHEL (_Sadly_): Yes, honey, some day--some day. (_A short - silence_). Well, this isn’t going to “sleepy-sleep,” is it? Go, - now, and say good-night to Ma Loving and Uncle Tom. - -JIMMY (_Gets down obediently, and goes first to Ma Loving. She leans - over, and he puts his little arms around her neck. They kiss; very - sweetly_): Sweet dreams! God keep you all the night! - -MRS. LOVING: The sweetest of sweet dreams to you, dear little boy! - Good-night! (_Rachel watches, unwatched, the scene. Her eyes are - full of yearning_). - -JIMMY (_Going to Tom, who makes believe he does not see him_): Uncle - Tom! - -TOM _(Jumps as though tremendously startled; Jimmy laughs_): My! how - you frightened me. You’ll put my gizzard out of commission, if you - do that often. Well, sir, what can I do for you? - -JIMMY: I came to say good-night. - -TOM (_Gathering Jimmy up in his arms and kissing him; gently and with - emotion_) Good-night, dear little Big Fellow! Good-night! - -JIMMY: Sweet dreams! God keep you all the night! (_Goes sedately to - Rachel, and holds out his little hand_). I’m ready, Ma Rachel. - (_Yawns_) I’m so nice and sleepy. - -RACHEL (_With Jimmy’s hand in hers, she hesitates a moment, and then - approaches Tom slowly. For a short time she stands looking down at - him; suddenly leaning over him_): Why, Tom, what a pretty tie! Is - it new? - -TOM: Well, no, not exactly. I’ve had it about a month. It is rather a - beauty, isn’t it? - -RACHEL: Why, I never remember seeing it. - -TOM (_Laughing_): I guess not. I saw to that. - -RACHEL: Stingy! - -TOM: Well, I am--where my ties are concerned. I’ve had experience. - -RACHEL (_Tentatively_): Tom! - -TOM: Well? - -RACHEL (_Nervously and wistfully_): Are you--will you--I mean, won’t - you be home this evening? - -TOM: You’ve got a long memory, Sis. I’ve that engagement, you know. - Why? - -RACHEL (_Slowly_): I forgot; so you have. - -TOM: Why? - -RACHEL (_Hastily_): Oh! nothing--nothing. Come on, Jimmy boy, you can - hardly keep those little peepers open, can you? Come on, honey. - (_Rachel and Jimmy go out the rear doorway. There is a silence_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Slowly, as though thinking aloud_): I try to make out - what could have happened; but it’s no use--I can’t. Those four - days, she lay in bed hardly moving, scarcely speaking. Only her - eyes seemed alive. I never saw such a wide, tragic look in my life. - It was as though her soul had been mortally wounded. But how? how? - What could have happened? - -TOM (_Quietly_): I don’t know. She generally tells me everything; but - she avoids me now. If we are alone in a room--she gets out. I don’t - know what it means. - -MRS. LOVING: She will hardly let Jimmy out of her sight. While he’s - at school, she’s nervous and excited. She seems always to be - listening, but for what? When he returns, she nearly devours him. - And she always asks him in a frightened sort of way, her face as - pale and tense as can be: “Well, honey boy, how was school today?” - And he always answers, “Fine, Ma Rachel, fine! I learned--”; and - then he goes on to tell her everything that has happened. And when - he has finished, she says in an uneasy sort of way: “Is--is that - all?” And when he says “Yes,” she relaxes and becomes limp. After a - little while she becomes feverishly happy. She plays with Jimmy and - the children more than ever she did--and she played a good deal, - as you know. They’re here, or she’s with them. Yesterday, I said - in remonstrance, when she came in, her face pale and haggard and - black hollows under her eyes: “Rachel, remember you’re just out of - a sick-bed. You’re not well enough to go on like this.” “I know,” - was all she would say, “but I’ve got to. I can’t help myself. - This part of their little lives must be happy--it just must be.” - (_Pauses_). The last couple of nights, Jimmy has awakened and cried - most pitifully. She wouldn’t let me go to him; said I had enough - trouble, and she could quiet him. She never will let me know why - he cries; but she stays with him, and soothes him until, at last, - he falls asleep again. Every time she has come out like a rag; and - her face is like a dead woman’s. Strange isn’t it, this is the - first time we have ever been able to talk it over? Tom, what could - have happened? - -TOM: I don’t know, Ma, but I feel, as you do; something terrible - and sudden has hurt her soul; and, poor little thing, she’s - trying bravely to readjust herself to life again. (_Pauses, looks - at his watch and then rises, and goes to her. He pats her back - awkwardly_). Well, Ma, I’m going now. Don’t worry too much. Youth, - you know, gets over things finally. It takes them hard, that’s - all--. At least, that’s what the older heads tell us. (_Gets his - hat and stands in the vestibule doorway_). Ma, you know, I begin - with John tomorrow. (_With emotion_) I don’t believe we’ll ever - forget John. Good-night! (_Exit. Mrs. Loving continues to sew. - Rachel, her hair arranged, reenters through the rear doorway. She - is humming_). - -RACHEL: He’s sleeping like a top. Aren’t little children, Ma dear, - the sweetest things, when they’re all helpless and asleep? One - little hand is under his cheek; and he’s smiling. (_Stops suddenly, - biting her lips. A pause_) Where’s Tom? - -MRS. LOVING: He went out a few minutes ago. - -RACHEL (_Sitting in Tom’s chair and picking up his paper. She is - exceedingly nervous. She looks the paper over rapidly; presently - trying to make her tone casual_): Ma,--you--you--aren’t going - anywhere tonight, are you? - -MRS. LOVING: I’ve got to go out for a short time about half-past - eight. Mrs. Jordan, you know. I’ll not be gone very long, though. - Why? - -RACHEL: Oh! nothing particular. I just thought it would be cosy if we - could sit here together the rest of the evening. Can’t you--can’t - you go tomorrow? - -MRS. LOVING: Why, I don’t see how I can. I’ve made the engagement. - It’s about a new reception gown; and she’s exceedingly exacting, as - you know. I can’t afford to lose her. - -RACHEL: No, I suppose not. All right, Ma dear. (_Presently, paper in - hand, she laughs, but not quite naturally_). Look! Ma dear! How is - that for fashion, anyway? Isn’t it the “limit”? (_Rises and shows - her mother a picture in the paper. As she is in the act, the bell - rings. With a startled cry_). Oh! (_Drops the paper, and grips her - mother’s hand_). - -MRS. LOVING (_Anxiously_): Rachel, your nerves are right on edge; and - your hand feels like fire. I’ll have to see a doctor about you; and - that’s all there is to it. - -RACHEL (_Laughing nervously, and moving toward the vestibule_). - Nonsense, Ma dear! Just because I let out a whoop now and then, - and have nice warm hands? (_Goes out, is heard talking through the - tube_) Yes! (_Her voice emitting tremendous relief_). Oh! bring - it right up! (_Appearing in the doorway_) Ma dear, did you buy - anything at Goddard’s today? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes; and I’ve been wondering why they were so late in - delivering it. I bought it early this morning. (_Rachel goes out - again. A door opens and shuts. She reappears with a bundle_). - -MRS. LOVING: Put it on my bed, Rachel, please. (_Exit Rachel rear - doorway; presently returns empty-handed; sits down again at the - table with the paper between herself and mother; sinks in a deep - revery. Suddenly there is the sound of many loud knocks made by - numerous small fists. Rachel drops the paper, and comes to a - sitting posture, tense again. Her mother looks at her, but says - nothing. Almost immediately Rachel relaxes_). - -RACHEL: My kiddies! They’re late, this evening. (_Goes out into the - vestibule. A door opens and shuts. There is the shrill, excited - sound of childish voices. Rachel comes in surrounded by the - children, all trying to say something to her at once. Rachel puts - her finger on her lip and points toward the doorway in the rear. - They all quiet down. She sits on the floor in the front of the - stage, and the children all cluster around her. Their conversation - takes place in a half-whisper. As they enter they nod brightly at - Mrs. Loving, who smiles in return_). Why so late, kiddies? It’s - long past “sleepy-time.” - -LITTLE NANCY: We’ve been playing “Hide and Seek,” and having the - mostest fun. We promised, all of us, that if we could play until - half-past seven tonight we wouldn’t make any fuss about going to - bed at seven o’clock the rest of the week. It’s awful hard to go. I - _hate_ to go to bed! - -LITTLE MARY, LOUISE and EDITH: So do I! So do I! So do I! - -LITTLE MARTHA: I don’t. I love bed. My bed, after my muzzer tucks me - all in, is like a nice warm bag. I just stick my nose out. When I - lifts my head up I can see the light from the dining-room come in - the door. I can hear my muzzer and fazzer talking nice and low; and - then, before I know it, I’m fast asleep, and I dream pretty things, - and in about a minute it’s morning again. I love my little bed, and - I love to dream. - -LITTLE MARY (_Aggressively_): Well, I guess I love to dream too. I - wish I could dream, though, without going to bed. - -LITTLE NANCY: When I grow up, I’m never going to bed at night! - (_Darkly_) You see. - -LITTLE LOUISE: “Grown-ups” just love to poke their heads out of - windows and cry, “Child’run, it’s time for bed now; and you’d - better hurry, too, I can tell you.” They “sure” are queer, for - sometimes when I wake up, it must be about twelve o’clock, I can - hear my big sister giggling and talking to some silly man. If it’s - good for me to go to bed early--I should think-- - -RACHEL (_Interrupting suddenly_): Why, where is my little Jenny? - Excuse me, Louise dear. - -LITTLE MARTHA: Her cold is awful bad. She coughs like this (_giving a - distressing imitation_) and snuffles all the time. She can’t talk - out loud, and she can’t go to sleep. Muzzer says she’s fev’rish--I - thinks that’s what she says. Jenny says she knows she could go to - sleep, if you would come and sit with her a little while. - -RACHEL: I certainly will. I’ll go when you do, honey. - -LITTLE MARTHA (_Softly stroking Rachel’s arm_): You’re the very - nicest “grown-up”, (_loyally_) except my muzzer, of course, I ever - knew. You knows all about little chil’run and you can be one, - although you’re all grown up. I think you would make a lovely - muzzer. (_To the rest of the children_) Don’t you? - -ALL (_In excited whispers_): Yes, I do. - -RACHEL (_Winces, then says gently_): Come, kiddies, you must go now, - or your mothers will blame me for keeping you. (_Rises, as do the - rest. Little Martha puts her hand into Rachel’s_). Ma dear, I’m - going down to sit a little while with Jenny. I’ll be back before - you go, though. Come, kiddies, say good-night to my mother. - -ALL (_Gravely_): Good-night! Sweet dreams! God keep you all the night. - -MRS. LOVING: Good-night dears! Sweet dreams, all! - - (_Exeunt Rachel and the children._ - - _Mrs. Loving continues to sew. The bell presently rings three - distinct times. In a few moments, Mrs. Loving gets up and goes out - into the vestibule. A door opens and closes. Mrs. Loving and John - Strong come in. He is a trifle pale but his imperturbable self. - Mrs. Loving, somewhat nervous, takes her seat and resumes her - sewing. She motions Strong to a chair. He returns to the vestibule, - leaves his hat, returns, and sits down_). - -STRONG: Well, how is everything? - -MRS. LOVING: Oh! about the same, I guess. Tom’s out. John, we’ll - never forget you--and your kindness. - -STRONG: That was nothing. And Rachel? - -MRS. LOVING: She’ll be back presently. She went to sit with a sick - child for a little while. - -STRONG: And how is she? - -MRS. LOVING: She’s not herself yet, but I think she is better. - -STRONG (_After a short pause_): Well, what _did_ happen--exactly? - -MRS. LOVING: That’s just what I don’t know. - -STRONG: When you came home--you couldn’t get in--was that it? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes. (_Pauses_). It was just a week ago today. I was - down town all the morning. It was about one o’clock when I got - back. I had forgotten my key. I rapped on the door and then called. - There was no answer. A window was open, and I could feel the air - under the door, and I could hear it as the draught sucked it - through. There was no other sound. Presently I made such a noise - the people began to come out into the hall. Jimmy was in one of the - flats playing with a little girl named Mary. He told me he had left - Rachel here a short time before. She had given him four cookies, - two for him and two for Mary, and had told him he could play with - her until she came to tell him his lunch was ready. I saw he was - getting frightened, so I got the little girl and her mother to keep - him in their flat. Then, as no man was at home, I sent out for - help. Three men broke the door down. (_Pauses_). We found Rachel - unconscious, lying on her face. For a few minutes I thought she - was dead. (_Pauses_). A vase had fallen over on the table and the - water had dripped through the cloth and onto the floor. There had - been flowers in it. When I left, there were no flowers here. What - she could have done to them, I can’t say. The long stems were lying - everywhere, and the flowers had been ground into the floor. I could - tell that they must have been roses from the stems. After we had - put her to bed and called the doctor, and she had finally regained - consciousness, I very naturally asked her what had happened. All - she would say was, “Ma dear, I’m too--tired--please.” For four days - she lay in bed scarcely moving, speaking only when spoken to. That - first day, when Jimmy came in to see her, she shrank away from him. - We had to take him out, and comfort him as best we could. We kept - him away, almost by force, until she got up. And, then, she was - utterly miserable when he was out of her sight. What happened, I - don’t know. She avoids Tom, and she won’t tell me. (_Pauses_). Tom - and I both believe her soul has been hurt. The trouble isn’t with - her body. You’ll find her highly nervous. Sometimes she is very - much depressed; again she is feverishly gay--almost reckless. What - do you think about it, John? - -STRONG (_Who has listened quietly_): Had anybody been here, do you - know? - -MRS. LOVING: No, I don’t. I don’t like to ask Rachel; and I can’t ask - the neighbors. - -STRONG: No, of course not. (_Pauses_). You say there were some - flowers? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes. - -STRONG: And the flowers were ground into the carpet? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes. - -STRONG: Did you happen to notice the box? They must have come in a - box, don’t you think? - -MRS. LOVING: Yes, there was a box in the kitchenette. It was from - “Marcy’s.” I saw no card. - -STRONG (_Slowly_): It is rather strange. (_A long silence, during - which the outer door opens and shuts. Rachel is heard singing. She - stops abruptly. In a second or two she appears in the door. There - is an air of suppressed excitement about her_). - -RACHEL: Hello! John. (_Strong rises, nods at her, and brings forward - for her the big arm-chair near the fire_). I thought that was your - hat in the hall. It’s brand new, I know--but it looks--“Johnlike.” - How are you? Ma! Jenny went to sleep like a little lamb. I don’t - like her breathing, though. (_Looks from one to the other; - flippantly_) Who’s dead? (_Nods her thanks to Strong for the chair - and sits down_). - -MRS. LOVING: Dead, Rachel? - -RACHEL: Yes. The atmosphere here is so funereal,--it’s positively - “crapey.” - -STRONG: I don’t know why it should be--I was just asking how you are. - -RACHEL: Heavens! Does the mere inquiry into my health precipitate - such an atmosphere? Your two faces were as long, as long--(_Breaks - off_). Kind sir, let me assure you, I am in the very best of - health. And how are you, John? - -STRONG: Oh! I’m always well. (_Sits down_). - -MRS. LOVING: Rachel, I’ll have to get ready to go now. John, don’t - hurry. I’ll be back shortly, probably in three-quarters of an - hour--maybe less. - -RACHEL: And maybe more, if I remember Mrs. Jordan. However, Ma - dear, I’ll do the best I can--while you are away. I’ll try to be - a credit to your training. (_Mrs. Loving smiles and goes out - the rear doorway_). Now, let’s see--in the books of etiquette, I - believe, the properly reared young lady, always asks the young - gentleman caller--you’re young enough, aren’t you, to be classed - still as a “young gentleman caller?” (_No answer_). Well, anyway, - she always asks the young gentleman caller sweetly something about - the weather. (_Primly_) This has been an exceedingly beautiful day, - hasn’t it, Mr. Strong? (_No answer from Strong, who, with his head - resting against the back of the chair, and his knees crossed is - watching her in an amused, quizzical manner_). Well, really, every - properly brought up young gentleman, I’m sure, ought to know, that - it’s exceedingly rude not to answer a civil question. - -STRONG (_Lazily_): Tell me what to answer, Rachel. - -RACHEL: Say, “Yes, Very”; and look interested and pleased when you - say it. - -STRONG (_With a half-smile_): Yes, very. - -RACHEL: Well, I certainly wouldn’t characterize that as a - particularly animated remark. Besides, when you look at me through - half-closed lids like that--and kind of smile--what are you - thinking? (_No answer_) John Strong, are you deaf or--just plain - stupid? - -STRONG: Plain stupid, I guess. - -RACHEL (_In wheedling tones_): What were you thinking, John? - -STRONG (_Slowly_): I was thinking--(_Breaks off_). - -RACHEL (_Irritably_): Well? - -STRONG: I’ve changed my mind. - -RACHEL: You’re not going to tell me? - -STRONG: No. - - (_Mrs. Loving dressed for the street comes in_). - -MRS. LOVING: Goodbye, children. Rachel, don’t quarrel so much with - John. Let me see--if I have my key. (_Feels in her bag_) Yes, I - have it. I’ll be back shortly. Good-bye. (_Strong and Rachel rise. - He bows_). - -RACHEL: Good-bye, Ma dear. Hurry back as soon as you can, won’t you? - (_Exit Mrs. Loving through the vestibule. Strong leans back again - in his chair, and watches Rachel through half-closed eyes. Rachel - sits in her chair nervously_). - -STRONG: Do you mind, if I smoke? - -RACHEL: You know I don’t. - -STRONG: I am trying to behave like--Reginald--“the properly reared - young gentleman caller.” (_Lights a cigar; goes over to the fire, - and throws his match away. Rachel goes into the kitchenette, and - brings him a saucer for his ashes. She places it on the table near - him_). Thank you. (_They both sit again, Strong very evidently - enjoying his cigar and Rachel_). Now this is what I call cosy. - -RACHEL: Cosy! Why? - -STRONG: A nice warm room--shut in--curtains drawn--a cheerful fire - crackling at my back--a lamp, not an electric or gas one, but one - of your plain, old-fashioned kerosene ones--. - -RACHEL (_Interrupting_): Ma dear would like to catch you, I am sure, - talking about _her_ lamp like that. “Old-fashioned! plain!”--You - have nerve. - -STRONG (_Continuing as though he had not been interrupted_): A - comfortable chair--a good cigar--and not very far away, a little - lady, who is looking charming, so near, that if I reached over, I - could touch her. You there--and I here.--It’s living. - -RACHEL: Well! of all things! A compliment--and from _you_! How did it - slip out, pray? (_No answer_). I suppose that you realize that a - conversation between two persons is absolutely impossible, if one - has to do her share all alone. Soon my ingenuity for introducing - interesting subjects will be exhausted; and then will follow what, - I believe, the story books call, “an uncomfortable silence.” - -STRONG (_Slowly_): Silence--between friends--isn’t such a bad thing. - -RACHEL: Thanks awfully. (_Leans back; cups her cheek in her hand, - and makes no pretense at further conversation. The old look of - introspection returns to her eyes. She does not move_). - -STRONG (_Quietly_): Rachel! (_Rachel starts perceptibly_) You must - remember I’m here. I don’t like looking into your soul--when you - forget you’re not alone. - -RACHEL: I hadn’t forgotten. - -STRONG: Wouldn’t it be easier for you, little girl, if you could - tell--some one? - -RACHEL: No. (_A silence_). - -STRONG: Rachel,--you’re fond of flowers,--aren’t you? - -RACHEL: Yes. - -STRONG: Rosebuds--red rosebuds--particularly? - -RACHEL (_Nervously_): Yes. - -STRONG: Did you--dislike--the giver? - -RACHEL (_More nervously; bracing herself_): No, of course not. - -STRONG: Rachel,--why--why--did you--kill the roses--then? - -RACHEL (_Twisting her hands_): Oh, John! I’m so sorry, Ma dear told - you that. She didn’t know, you sent them. - -STRONG: So I gathered. (_Pauses and then leans forward; quietly_). - Rachel, little girl, why--did you kill them? - -RACHEL (_Breathing quickly_): Don’t you - believe--it--a--a--kindness--sometimes--to kill? - -STRONG (_After a pause_): You--considered--it--a--kindness--to kill - them? - -RACHEL: Yes. (_Another pause_). - -STRONG: Do you mean--just--the roses? - -RACHEL (_Breathing more quickly_): John!--Oh! must I say? - -STRONG: Yes, little Rachel. - -RACHEL (_In a whisper_): No. (_There is a long pause. Rachel leans - back limply, and closes her eyes. Presently Strong rises, and moves - his chair very close to hers. She does not stir. He puts his cigar - on the saucer_). - -STRONG (_Leaning forward; very gently_): Little girl, little girl, - can’t you tell me why? - -RACHEL (_Wearily_): I can’t.--It hurts--too much--to talk about it - yet,--please. - -STRONG (_Takes her hand; looks at it a few minutes and then at her - quietly_). You--don’t--care, then? (_She winces_) Rachel!--Look at - me, little girl! (_As if against her will, she looks at him. Her - eyes are fearful, hunted. She tries to look away, to draw away her - hand; but he holds her gaze and her hand steadily_). Do you? - -RACHEL (_Almost sobbing_): John! John! don’t ask me. You are - drawing my very soul out of my body with your eyes. You must not - talk this way. You mustn’t look--John, don’t! (_Tries to shield her - eyes_). - -STRONG (_Quietly takes both of her hands, and kisses the backs - and the palms slowly. A look of horror creeps into her face. He - deliberately raises his eyes and looks at her mouth. She recoils - as though she expected him to strike her. He resumes slowly_) - If--you--do--care, and I know now--that you do--nothing else, - _nothing_ should count. - -RACHEL (_Wrenching herself from his grasp and rising. She covers - her ears; she breathes rapidly_): No! No! No!--You _must_ stop. - (_Laughs nervously; continues feverishly_) I’m not behaving very - well as a hostess, am I? Let’s see. What shall I do? I’ll play - you something, John. How will that do? Or I’ll sing to you. You - used to like to hear me sing; you said my voice, I remember, was - sympathetic, didn’t you? (_Moves quickly to the piano_). I’ll sing - you a pretty little song. I think it’s beautiful. You’ve never - heard it, I know. I’ve never sung it to you before. It’s Nevin’s - “At Twilight.” (_Pauses, looks down, before she begins, then turns - toward him and says quietly and sweetly_) Sometimes--in the coming - years--I want--you to remember--I sang you this little song.--Will - you?--I think it will make it easier for me--when I--when - I--(_Breaks off and begins the first chords. Strong goes slowly to - the piano. He leans there watching intently. Rachel sings_): - - “The roses of yester-year - Were all of the white and red; - It fills my heart with silent fear - To find all their beauty fled. - - The roses of white are sere, - All faded the roses red, - And one who loves me is not here - And one that I love is dead.” - - (_A long pause. Then Strong goes to her and lifts her from the - piano-stool. He puts one arm around her very tenderly and pushes - her head back so he can look into her eyes. She shuts them, but is - passive_). - -STRONG (_Gently_): Little girl, little girl, don’t you know that - suggestions--suggestions--like those you are sending yourself - constantly--are wicked things? You, who are so gentle, so loving, - so warm--(_Breaks off and crushes her to him. He kisses her many - times. She does not resist, but in the midst of his caresses she - breaks suddenly into convulsive laughter. He tries to hush the - terrible sound with his mouth; then brokenly_) Little girl--don’t - laugh--like that. - -RACHEL (_Interrupted throughout by her laughter_): I have to.--God - is laughing.--We’re his puppets.--He pulls the wires,--and we’re - so funny to Him.--I’m laughing too--because I can hear--my little - children--weeping. They come to me generally while I’m asleep,--but - I can hear them now.--They’ve begged me--do you understand?--begged - me--not to bring them here;--and I’ve promised them--not to.--I’ve - promised. I can’t stand the sound of their crying.--I have to - laugh--Oh! John! laugh!--laugh too!--I can’t drown their weeping. - - (_Strong picks her up bodily and carries her to the armchair_). - -STRONG (_Harshly_): Now, stop that! - -RACHEL (_In sheer surprise_): W-h-a-t? - -STRONG (_Still harshly_): Stop that!--You’ve lost your - self-control.--find yourself again! - - (_He leaves her and goes over to the fireplace, and stands looking - down into it for some little time. Rachel, little by little, - becomes calmer. Strong returns and sits beside her again. She - doesn’t move. He smoothes her hair back gently, and kisses her - forehead--and then, slowly, her mouth, she does not resist; simply - sits there, with shut eyes, inert, limp_). - -STRONG: Rachel!--(_Pauses_). There is a little flat on 43rd Street. - It faces south and overlooks a little park. Do you remember - it?--it’s on the top floor?--Once I remember your saying--you - liked it. That was over a year ago. That same day--I rented - it. I’ve never lived there. No one knows about it--not even my - mother. It’s completely furnished now--and waiting--do you know - for whom? Every single thing in it, I’ve bought myself--even to - the pins on the little bird’s-eye maple dresser. It has been the - happiest year I have ever known. I furnished it--one room at a - time. It’s the prettiest, the most homelike little flat I’ve ever - seen. (_Very low_) Everything there--breathes love. Do you know - for whom it is waiting? On the sitting-room floor is a beautiful, - Turkish rug--red, and blue and gold. It’s soft--and rich--and do - you know for whose little feet it is waiting? There are delicate - curtains at the windows and a bookcase full of friendly, eager, - little books.--Do you know for whom they are waiting? There are - comfortable leather chairs, just the right size, and a beautiful - piano--that I leave open--sometimes, and lovely pictures of - Madonnas. Do you know for whom they are waiting? There is an open - fireplace with logs of wood, all carefully piled on gleaming - andirons--and waiting. There is a bellows and a pair of shining - tongs--waiting. And in the kitchenette painted blue and white, and - smelling sweet with paint is everything: bright pots and pans and - kettles, and blue and white enamel-ware, and all kinds of knives - and forks and spoons--and on the door--a roller-towel. Little girl, - do you know for whom they are all waiting? And somewhere--there’s a - big, strong man--with broad shoulders. And he’s willing and anxious - to do anything--everything, and he’s waiting very patiently. Little - girl, is it to be--yes or no? - -RACHEL (_During Strong’s speech life has come flooding back to - her. Her eyes are shining; her face, eager. For a moment she is - beautifully happy_). Oh! you’re too good to me and mine, John. - I--didn’t dream any one--could be--so good. (_Leans forward and - puts his big hand against her cheek and kisses it shyly_). - -Strong (_Quietly_): Is it--yes--or no, little girl? - -RACHEL (_Feverishly, gripping his hands_): Oh, yes! yes! yes! and - take me quickly, John. Take me before I can think any more. You - mustn’t let me think, John. And you’ll be good to me, won’t you? - Every second of every minute, of every hour, of every day, you’ll - have me in your thoughts, won’t you? And you’ll be with me every - minute that you can? And, John, John!--you’ll keep away the weeping - of my little children. You won’t let me hear it, will you? You’ll - make me forget everything--everything--won’t you?--Life is so short, - John. (_Shivers and then fearfully and slowly_) And eternity - so--long. (_Feverishly again_) And, John, after I am dead--promise - me, promise me you’ll love me more. (_Shivers again_). I’ll need - love then. Oh! I’ll need it. (_Suddenly there comes to their - ears the sound of a child’s weeping. It is monotonous, hopeless, - terribly afraid. Rachel recoils_). Oh! John!--Listen!--It’s my - boy, again.--I--John--I’ll be back in a little while. (_Goes - swiftly to the door in the rear, pauses and looks back. The weeping - continues. Her eyes are tragic. Slowly she kisses her hand to him - and disappears. John stands where she has left him looking down. - The weeping stops. Presently Rachel appears in the doorway. She is - haggard, and grey. She does not enter the room. She speaks as one - dead might speak--tonelessly, slowly_). - -RACHEL: Do you wish to know why Jimmy is crying? - -STRONG: Yes. - -RACHEL: I am twenty-two--and I’m old; you’re thirty-two--and you’re - old; Tom’s twenty-three--and he is old. Ma dear’s sixty--and - she said once she is much older than that. She is. We are all - blighted; we are all accursed--all of us--, everywhere, we whose - skins are dark--our lives blasted by the white man’s prejudice. - (_Pauses_) And my little Jimmy--seven years old, that’s all--is - blighted too. In a year or two, at best, he will be made old by - suffering. (_Pauses_): One week ago, today, some white boys, - older and larger than my little Jimmy, as he was leaving the - school--called him “Nigger”! They chased him through the streets - calling him, “Nigger! Nigger! Nigger!” One boy threw stones at - him. There is still a bruise on his little back where one struck - him. That will get well; but they bruised his soul--and that--will - never--get well. He asked me what “Nigger” meant. I made light of - the whole thing, laughed it off. He went to his little playmates, - and very naturally asked them. The oldest of them is nine!--and - they knew, poor little things--and they told him. (_Pauses_). - For the last couple of nights he has been dreaming--about these - boys. And he always awakes--in the dark--afraid--afraid--of the - now--and the future--I have seen that look of deadly fear--in the - eyes--of other little children. I know what it is myself.--I was - twelve--when some big boys chased me and called me names.--I never - left the house afterwards--without being afraid. I was afraid, in - the streets--in the school--in the church, everywhere, always, - afraid of being hurt. And I--was not--afraid in vain. (_The weeping - begins again_). He’s only a baby--and he’s blighted. (_To Jimmy_) - Honey, I’m right here. I’m coming in just a minute. Don’t cry. - (_To Strong_) If it nearly kills me to hear my Jimmy’s crying, do - you think I could stand it, when my own child, flesh of my flesh, - blood of my blood--learned the same reason for weeping? Do you? - (_Pauses_). Ever since I fell here--a week ago--I am afraid--to - go--to sleep, for every time I do--my children come--and beg - me--weeping--not to--bring them here--to suffer. Tonight, they - came--when I was awake. (_Pauses_). I have promised them again, - now--by Jimmy’s bed. (_In a whisper_) I have damned--my soul to - all eternity--if I do. (_To Jimmy_) Honey, don’t! I’m coming. (_To - Strong_) And John,--dear John--you see--it can never be--all the - beautiful, beautiful things--you have--told me about. (_Wistfully_) - No--they--can never be--now. (_Strong comes toward her_) No,--John - dear,--you--must not--touch me--any more. (_Pauses_). Dear, - this--is--“Good-bye.” - -STRONG (_Quietly_): It’s not fair--to you, Rachel, to take you--at - your word--tonight. You’re sick; you’ve brooded so long, so - continuously,--you’ve lost--your perspective. Don’t answer, yet. - Think it over for another week and I’ll come back. - -RACHEL (_Wearily_): No,--I can’t think--any more. - -STRONG: You realize--fully--you’re sending me--for always? - -RACHEL: Yes. - -STRONG: And you care? - -RACHEL: Yes. - -STRONG: It’s settled, then for all time--“Good-bye!” - -RACHEL (_After a pause_): Yes. - -STRONG (_Stands looking at her steadily a long time, and then moves - to the door and turns, facing her; with infinite tenderness_): - Good-bye, dear, little Rachel--God bless you. - -RACHEL: Good-bye, John! (_Strong goes out. A door opens and - shuts. There is finality in the sound. The weeping continues. - Suddenly; with a great cry_) John! John! (_Runs out into the - vestibule. She presently returns. She is calm again. Slowly_) - No! No! John. Not for us. (_A pause; with infinite yearning_) - Oh! John,--if it only--if it only--(_Breaks off, controls - herself. Slowly again; thoughtfully_) No--No sunshine--no - laughter--always, always--darkness. That is it. Even our little - flat--(_In a whisper_) John’s and mine--the little flat--that - calls, calls us--through darkness. It shall wait--and wait--in - vain--in darkness. Oh, John! (_Pauses_). And my little children! - my little children! (_The weeping ceases; pauses_). I shall - never--see--you--now. Your little, brown, beautiful bodies--I - shall never see.--Your dimples--everywhere--your laughter--your - tears--the beautiful, lovely feel of you here. (_Puts her hands - against her heart_). Never--never--to be. (_A pause, fiercely_) - But you are somewhere--and wherever you are you are mine! You - are mine! All of you! Every bit of you! Even God can’t take you - away. (_A pause; very sweetly; pathetically_) Little children!--My - little children!--No more need you come to me--weeping--weeping. - You may be happy now--you are safe. Little weeping, voices, hush! - hush! (_The weeping begins again. To Jimmy, her whole soul in her - voice_) Jimmy! My little Jimmy! Honey! I’m coming.--Ma Rachel loves - you so. (_Sobs and goes blindly, unsteadily to the rear doorway; - she leans her head there one second against the door; and then - stumbles through and disappears. The light in the lamp flickers - and goes out.... It is black. The terrible, heart-breaking weeping - continues_). - - - THE END - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation such as - “heart-breaking”/“heartbreaking” have been maintained. - - Minor punctuation and spelling errors have been silently corrected - and, except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the - text, especially in dialogue, and inconsistent or archaic usage, - have been retained. - - Page 47: “There is a brief silence interruped” changed to “There is - a brief silence interrupted”. - - Page 62: “I didn’t belive” changed to “I didn’t believe”. - - Page 78: “Jimmy has awakened and cried most pitfully” changed to - “Jimmy has awakened and cried most pitifully”. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL: A PLAY IN THREE ACTS *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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