Goat Alley: A Tragedy of Negro Life
ACT III
_The same as Act II--a year and a half later._
_It is early evening and the lamp on the table is lighted. The chimney is badly smoked and the guttering flames cast eerie shadows about on the walls._
_Aunt Rebecca is discovered seated to Right of table. Lucy Belle is seated near her, Right Center, and is noticeably thinner and more wan than in the preceding act. On the floor at her side sits a large basket, full of washing and on a chair nearby lies her coat and hat._
_The imposing cupboard which formerly stood against the wall, Left, and the large easy chair are missing._
LUCY BELLE
’Deed, we done miss yo’ while yo’s sick.
AUNT REBECCA (_shaking her head_)
Don’ wan’ no mo’ spells like dat.
LUCY BELLE
No, indeedy! I reckon not.
AUNT REBECCA
Been six yeahs since rheumetiz took me down like dat.
LUCY BELLE
Git yo’ hard w’en it do.
AUNT REBECCA
’Deed it do, ’deed it do!
LUCY BELLE
Mighty sorry I did’n’ git in ter see yo’ mo’ den I did.
AUNT REBECCA
Dat’s all right. I ain’ boderin’ ’bout dat at all.
LUCY BELLE
Yo’--yo’ see, I’se so busy wid mah wuk, an’ lookin’ aftah thin’s ’roun de house--an’--an’ de baby.
AUNT REBECCA
Yas, yas--honey. I knows how it is.
LUCY BELLE
Yo’ ’scuse me a minute, won’ yo’?
AUNT REBECCA
Sartainly, sartainly.
LUCY BELLE
Got ter run ’roun’ ter Miss Erminie’s wid dis yere washin’.
AUNT REBECCA
Sho’--sho’, honey! Yo’ go right ’long. Don’ yo’ boder ’bout me.
LUCY BELLE
Only jes’ ’roun’ de corner. Be right back. (_Rising and moving toward, Left._) Reckon I bettah bring dat baby out yere. No tellin’ w’at dem chillen liable ter do ter it while I’se gone.
(_She goes out, Left, and returns immediately carrying a very young Negro baby._)
AUNT REBECCA (_exclaiming_)
Mah soul, dat’s a fine baby! Ain’ he dough? Yo’ wan’ me ter hol’ him?
LUCY BELLE
Ef yo’ don’ min’--till I gits back.
AUNT REBECCA
Sho’! Sho’! (_Lucy Belle places the baby in Aunt Rebecca’s arms and the old woman gazes down at him admiringly._) Gawd-a-massy! Bless yo’ heart! Ain’ yo’ mah lil’ honey-boy? Smile at me--dat’s it--smile! Ootchum-kootchum! Ootchum--kootchum!
(_Fanny and Israel run in, Left. Both wear nightgowns._)
FANNY
Mamma! Whar yo’ all gwine?
ISRAEL
Mamma! Git me some candy!
LUCY BELLE (_sharply_)
Yo’ all hush! Git right back ter bed! Go ’long!
FANNY (_whimpering_)
I’se scar’t ob de night doctahs.
LUCY BELLE
Hush, child! Night doctahs ain’ gwine ter git yo’ in yere. Go ’long! (_Threateningly._) D’yo’ wan’ me ter knock yo’ haids off?
ISRAEL
Mamma! Git me--!
(_Lucy Belle grabs them roughly and pushes them through the door, Left, and closes it after them. They cry for several moments and then gradually stop._)
LUCY BELLE (_with a little sigh, as she comes back to Center_)
Reckon I bettah be on mah way. (_Beginning to put on her hat and coat._) I ain’ nevah had no luck. Some gals gits by widout no trouble at all. I ain’ one-a dem kin’. Nuffin’ I evah done come out right--nuffin’ at all. Ef I starts anathin’ it’s boun’ ter go wrong. I--I’se conjuhed fo’ life.
AUNT REBECCA
Hush, chile! Don’ git down in de mouf like dat. Yo’ luck liable ter change any minute. Min’ did aftah I gits rid-a dem warts.
LUCY BELLE
I ain’ got no bus’ness wid all dese chillen. I’se a fool--Gawd knows I is. (_Wistfully._) Ain’ only one niggah evah treated me decent. Gawd knows, he treated me right!
AUNT REBECCA
Yo’ means Sam. (_Lucy Belle nods._) Still in jail, ain’ he?
LUCY BELLE (_nodding_)
Down in de penitentiary at Moun’sville. He kain’t write, so I don’ nevah yere from him.
AUNT REBECCA
Nevah min’, he gwine ter come back someday.
LUCY BELLE
Gawd, I hope so!
AUNT REBECCA
W’at come dat yallow--um--lessee--w’at’s his name--uster see him ’roun’ yere--
LUCY BELLE
Chick Avery.
AUNT REBECCA
Yas--Chick Avery. Dat who I means.
LUCY BELLE (_darkly_)
He git a job barbarin’ on de boat dat run from New York ter Chawlston.
AUNT REBECCA
Go ’long--!
LUCY BELLE (_bitterly_)
Been gone free mon’s. I ain’ seen nor yere from him since he lef’. (_She picks up the basket of clothes and goes to the door, Back._) Only be a minute, Aun’ Becky.
(_Aunt Rebecca grunts and nods. Lucy Belle goes out, Back. Aunt Rebecca sits in brooding thought for a moment or two, then begins to chant to herself._)
AUNT REBECCA
Um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a! Trouble in mah soul! Um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a! Trouble in mah soul! Um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a! Trouble in mah soul! (_High treble._) Um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a! Trouble in mah soul! Um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a!
(_Footsteps and someone whistling are heard off stage, Back. Aunt Rebecca stops and listens. The door opens and Slim Dorsey enters, Back._)
SLIM
’Lo, Aun’ Becky. W’at yo’ all doin’ yere?
AUNT REBECCA
Min’en de baby fo’ Lucy Belle.
SLIM
Whar she?
AUNT REBECCA
Takin’ washin’ ’roun’ ter Miss Erminie’s.
(_Slim takes a bag of tobacco and a pack of cigarette papers from his pocket and proceeds to roll a cigarette._)
SLIM
Dat gal ain’ no good. She make twict as much ef she was ter wuk out.
AUNT REBECCA (_sharply_)
W’at kin’-a bruder is yo’? Dat ain’ no way ter talk. W’at she do wid de chillen--an’--an’ dis yere baby?
SLIM (_licking the cigarette_)
Make a present ob ’em ter somebody.
AUNT REBECCA
Shame on yo’--shame on yo’--talkin’ like dat! She do de bes’ she kin! An’ yo’ jes’ lay ’roun’ an’ let her keep yo’.
SLIM
Dat’s a lie! I wuks a damn sight harder den she do.
AUNT REBECCA
Whar yo’ wuk?
SLIM
On de wharf--shuckin’ oysters.
AUNT REBECCA
Dat steady?
SLIM
Steady in season. I fishes w’en I ain’ wukkin’ dere. Dat’s why we move ovah yere from Carter Street--ter be handy ter de rivah. Don’ yo’ all go lyin’ ’bout me livin’ off Lucy Belle,--’less yo’ lookin’ fo’ trouble.
(_Aunt Rebecca glowers at him and remains silent for a brief interval. Slim lights his cigarette and sits astride a chair, with the back to the front._)
AUNT REBECCA (_at length_)
She got too many chillen.
SLIM
Ain’ nobody knows dat bettah den I do. No niggah an’ gwine ter take up wid her now. Mink Hall was crazy fo’ ter marry her one time. Huh--he wouldn’ look sideways at her now ef he was ter pass her in de street.
(_The wind blows and whistles through the cracks. Aunt Rebecca straightens up stiffly and rolls her eyes._)
AUNT REBECCA (_in low, frightened tones_)
Gawd-a-massy! Yo’ ain’ gwine ter git me--yo’ ole hussy!
SLIM
W’at’s de mattah?
AUNT REBECCA
Dat’s Lil Mundy tryin’ ter git back at me.
SLIM (_with a derisive laugh_)
W’at fo’?
AUNT REBECCA
Fo’ kickin’ dat ole dog ob hers off mah do’step.
(_Lucy Belle enters, Back, carrying the empty basket._)
AUNT REBECCA (_exclaiming_)
Lan’ sake, chile! It ain’ takin’ yo’ long.
LUCY BELLE
Don’ see me wastin’ no time on a night like dis. (_Giving Slim a stony stare._) ’Lo, Slim. (_She drops the basket near the door, and removes her hat and coat._)
SLIM (_jumping up and going to her quickly_)
Luce--!
LUCY BELLE
W’at--?
SLIM
Sam’s yere!
LUCY BELLE (_blankly, as she searches his face_)
W’at d’yo’ mean?
SLIM
He’s back yere in Wash’nin’.
LUCY BELLE (_with a gasp_)
Oh, Gawd! (_Comes down to Right Center and drops her hat and coat on a chair._)
SLIM
Mink Hall jes’ seen him uptown. He stops in Seventh Street ter buy yo’ all somefin’.
LUCY BELLE
Whar did yo’ see Mink?
SLIM
On de wharf. Jes’ come ovah dere from uptown. Sam tol’ him dat he comin’ right on out yere.
LUCY BELLE (_with a cry of ecstasy_)
Sam! Mah Sam-boy! (_Then in tones tremulous with emotion_) How did he git out so soon?
SLIM
Got his sentence cut short fo’ bein good--like I done tol’ yo’ he might.
LUCY BELLE (_agitatedly_)
W’at--w’at did Mink say ter him--’bout me?
SLIM
Nuffin’, I reckon--’Cept dat he ain’ seen yo’ in a good while--an’ dat yo’ still livin’ yere in Goat Alley.
LUCY BELLE
Yo’--yo’ ain’ nevah tol’ Mink dat I--I got--
SLIM
Yo’ mean’ ’bout de baby? (_She nods._) No, no! W’at I tell him dat fo’?
LUCY BELLE (_in earnest entreaty_)
Slim--Slim--! Go down ter end ob de alley--dere by de stable. Sam gwine ter come in dat way sho’ as yo’ bawn ef he been up on Seventh Street. Ketch him dere--an’ take him ovah ter Gerner’s. Say dat I gone ovah ter Mag’s an’ dat I be back late ternight.
SLIM
I ain’ boderin’ ’bout him.
LUCY BELLE
Slim, please, honey! Won’ yo’? Dat ain’ gwine ter hurt yo’. (_She pulls up her skirt, reaches down in her stocking and pulls out a dollar bill._) Yere! (_She hands it to Slim._) Please--jes’ dis onct! Won’ yo’--? (_He slowly nods, and starts toward the door. She calls after him. He halts and turns._) Slim, don’ tell him whar I is. Jes’--jes’ say I’se gone away--an’ dat I won’ be back till in de mawnin’. Yo’ yere? Say yo ’don’ know whar I is!
SLIM
All right. (_He goes out, Back._)
LUCY BELLE (TURNING TO AUNT REBECCA)
I--I did’n’ have no kin’-a idea Sam ’ud git out so soon. (_Rapturously._) Sam! Mah, Sam! (_Then fearfully._) But--but I kain’t see him yet--no, no--!
AUNT REBECCA
Now, now--! Don’ yo’ git yo’se’f in no stew.
LUCY BELLE (_wringing her hands_)
I tol’ yo’ I ain’ nevah had no luck! W’at kin’ a po’ gal like me do? Yo’--yo’ see I got dis yere baby. It--it’s free mon’s ole, now. Ef--ef he see dat--Oh, Gawd!
AUNT REBECCA
Yo’ reckon--!
LUCY BELLE
He’d kill me--sho’ as yo’ bawn! Yo’ see--yo’ see, his time was’n’ up fo’ mos’ anoder yeah. Him a’ me ain’ nevah had no luck an’ I did’n’t calc’late he’d git out befo’. I--I was gwine ter git ready an’ move in ’bout six mon’s. Den I was gwine ter writ ter de Warden--or de keeper--or somebody like dat an’ git dem ter tell him whar I move ter. (_Moving about agitatedly._) Ef he only knowed what I been up agin! I--I promised him I would’n’ look at anabody else while he was gone. Ef I’d--a had any kin’a-luck nuffin’ ’ud make me break it. I loves Sam. I loves him bettah den anathin’ in de worl’. He knows I does. (_A moment’s pause. Her eyes rove space._) Las’ wintah I could’n’ git nuffin’ much ter do--dat is nuffin’ dat pay me much money--an’ I had trouble rentin’ dat room--. (_She pauses for a moment, and drops her eyes, then goes on slowly._) Chick Avery comes ’roun’--yo’ know--an’ I let’s him stay yere--(_She pauses again, and then points at the baby._) Dat’s his chile.
AUNT REBECCA (_in heartfelt sympathy_)
Yo’ po’, po’ honey!
LUCY BELLE
W’en me an’ Sam fust met up he says, “Lucy Belle, I don’ care nuffin’ at all ’bout w’at yo’ done fo’ I knowed yo’. Dat’s all pas’ an’ gone an’ somefin’ we ain’ gwine ter boder our haids ’bout.” (_She stares into space with tragic eyes._) But--but he tol’ me onct dat ef I evah had anathin’ ter do wid anoder niggah he’d kill me.
AUNT REBECCA
He ain’ gwine ter do nuffin’ like dat! Don’ yo’ worry!
LUCY BELLE (_with a faint, wistful smile_)
He’s de onlies’ niggah dat evah done anathin’ much fo’ me. Mah own Sam-boy, baby buddy! (_She stares abstractedly into space for a moment or two._) An’--an’ yo’ see he’s comin’ right back ter me--now he’s out.
AUNT REBECCA
Yas, indeedy! I reckon he is!
LUCY BELLE (_clenching her hands_)
Oh, Gawd!
AUNT REBECCA
Nevah yo’ min’, honey. Yo’ ain’ got nuffin’ ter worry ’bout.
LUCY BELLE
Sam nevah boder his haid ’bout oder gals--not since he know me--’cept ole Lizzie Gibbs fo’ a lil’ while--(_Fearfully._) Dat’s de onlies’ thin’ I’se scar’t of--is dat niggahs will lie an’ blackguard on me!
AUNT REBECCA (_indicating the baby_)
Who all know yo’ got dis yere chile?
LUCY BELLE
Only two or free people yere in Goat Alley--an’ Slim an’ Mag an’ yo’. Mag’s mah frien’ ovah in Anacostia.
AUNT REBECCA
Ef I did’n’ have dem gran’chillen I’d keep de baby fo’ yo’.
LUCY BELLE
No, no! Would’n’ wan’ yo’ ter do nuffin’ like dat.
AUNT REBECCA
W’at yo’ calc’late yo’ do?
LUCY BELLE
I don’ know, I don’ know! I kin take him ovah ter Mag’s--but even ef I does--she kain’t keep him long--an’--(_Pacing about agitatedly._) I--I’se got ter do somefin’ quick! (_In anguish._) I ain’ done no mo’ den oder gals--an’--an’--Sam got ter fo’give me!
(_A knock sounds on the door, Back. Lucy Belle starts._)
LUCY BELLE (_in low tones to Aunt Rebecca_)
Take him in dere. (_She points off, Left._)
(_Aunt Rebecca rises with the baby and goes out hurriedly, Left._)
LUCY BELLE (_as Aunt Rebecca leaves_)
Come in!
(_The door, Back, opens and Lizzie Gibbs enters. She wears no hat and has a light shawl thrown over her shoulders._)
LIZZIE (_slouching in_)
’Lo!
LUCY BELLE (_starts back with a look of consternation_)
’Lo--!
LIZZIE
H’yo’--?
LUCY BELLE (_brusquely_)
Fine an’ dandy!
LIZZIE
I reckon yo’ is! Thought I’d fin’ yo’ flyin’ ’roun’ wid yo’ eyes poppin’ out-a yo’ haid.
LUCY BELLE (_with studied complacency_)
I don’ know w’at yo’ all talkin’ ’bout.
LIZZIE (_with a loud, sarcastic laugh_)
Ha! Ha! Ain’ got nuffin’ on yo’ min’--huh?
LUCY BELLE (_defiantly_)
Not a thin’!
LIZZIE
Good frien’ ob yo’s back in town.
LUCY BELLE
Now yo’ said somefin’. Who?
LIZZIE (_darkly_)
Dat’s right--preten’ yo’ don’ know nuffin’ ’bout it--yo’ damn lil’ hussy!
LUCY BELLE (_hotly_)
Don’ yo’ call me no hussy!
LIZZIE
Don’ yo’ stan’ up dere an’ tell me yo’ don’ know Sam Reed ain’ home.
LUCY BELLE (_simulating great surprise_)
Sam! No! Is yo’ seen him?
LIZZIE (_mysteriously_)
Ha! Ha! I guess he don’ fo’git ole frien’s.
LUCY BELLE (_in sharp derision_)
Huh! I bet yo’ ain’! I bet yo’ all I got yo’ ain’!
LIZZIE
Yo’ all got de idee yo’ got some kin’-a strangle hol’ on Sam, ain’ yo’?
LUCY BELLE (_hotly_)
I knows damn well he ain’ gwine ter fool ’roun’ an’ ole wench like yo’!
LIZZIE (_menacingly_)
Ef yo’ say anathin’ like dat agin I bus’ yo’ in de mouf! (_Lucy Belle gives an explosive, contemptuous laugh._) Lemme tell yo’, gal, I knows a thin’ or two ’bout yo’.
LUCY BELLE
Nuffin’ but w’at yo’ make up out-a yo’ own haid.
LIZZIE
Gawd knows, how many times I see yo’ on de street las’ wintah wid Chick Avery.
LUCY BELLE (_angrily_)
Yo’ nevah! Yo’ lie!
LIZZIE (_with a savage laugh_)
Oh, yas, yo’ lil’ angel face! Yo’ nevah done nuffin’ wrong in yo’ life! (_Darkly._) Lemme tell yo’ one thin’! Keep yo’ han’s off dat niggah--dis time! Ef I yere yo’ been foolin’ roun’ aftah him I’se gwine ter raise some hell. (_She turns toward the door, Back._)
LUCY BELLE
Yo’ won’ do nuffin’!
LIZZIE (_wheeling around_)
Ask anabody dat knows me ef I don’ allas make good!
LUCY BELLE
Yo’ ain’ gwine ter do nuffin’!
LIZZIE (_at the door_)
Ain’ I? Yo’ wait an’ see! I’se gwine ter make dat face-a yo’s look like a piece-a sausage. Don’ yo’ come tryin’ ter play any ob dat doll-baby bus’ness wid me! Ha! Ha! Yo’ damn lil’ hussy, yo’! (_She goes out, Back._)
(_Lucy Belle stands gazing angrily after her. Aunt Rebecca enters, Left._)
AUNT REBECCA
Whew-me! Gawd-a-massy! Sweah out a warrant fo’ her! Go ’long! Don’ yo’ let no niggah blackguard yo’ like dat.
LUCY BELLE
I’ll git her mahse’f--an’ ef I don’, Sam will. (_Fiercely._) Some night I ketch her alone an’ knock her haid off! ’Deed, I’se gwine ter clean up fo’ her right!
AUNT REBECCA
Low down yallaw wench!
LUCY BELLE (_with a little wail of despair_)
Now, right ’way, she got ter come mixin’ in agin. (_Fiercely._) I done took all I’se gwine ter off her! (_Moving about agitatedly._) ’Deed, I is! W’at she anaway? Stuck up kase she got straight hair. Nevah done a lick-a wuk in her life.
AUNT REBECCA
Hush, honey! Ain’ no use ter git all wukked up!
LUCY BELLE (with an hysterical laugh)
Ha! Ha! She think she kin keep Sam ’way from me! I like ter see her! I like ter see her!
AUNT REBECCA
Nevah yo’ min’! Nevah yo’ min’!
(_A knock on the door, Back. Lucy Belle and Aunt Rebecca start._)
LUCY BELLE (_calling out in tremulous tones_)
Who dat?
SAM (_off, Back_)
Me--!
LUCY BELLE (_with a gasp_)
It Sam--!
(_She motions to Aunt Rebecca to leave the room. The old woman goes off hurriedly, Left. Lucy Belle stands hesitant. A look of dire fear comes over her face, and she appears to be on the verge of collapse. However, with an effort she controls herself and goes uncertainly to the door, Back, and opens it. Sam steps in. He looks older and thinner than in Act I and his hair is streaked with gray, and his shoulders are a trifle more stooped than before. He wears a dark suit of clothes--the sort furnished to prisoners on the occasion of their release--a collar, but no tie, and he carries a small bundle under one arm. In one hand he carries his hat._)
SAM (_springing forward with a cry of joy_)
Gal--!
LUCY BELLE (_rushing to him_)
Sam!
(_He tosses his hat and the bundle on the table, takes her in his arms and smothers her with kisses._)
SAM
Honey-baby! Honey-baby!
LUCY BELLE (_murmuring softly_)
Baby! Baby!
SAM
Yo’ ain’ fo’got yo’ ole Sam, is yo’?
LUCY BELLE
No, no! Oh, Sam, Sam! Mah ole Sam-boy! (_Clinging tightly to him._) Oh, I’se so glad ter see yo’! Gawd bless yo’!
SAM
Honey-baby! Honey-baby!
LUCY BELLE
Ole Sam-boy! Mah honey-baby buddy-boy! I’se so glad ter see yo’!
SAM
Yo’ all did’n’ ’spec’ me, did yo’?
LUCY BELLE
No, no! Did’n’ have no idea in de worl’ I’se gwine ter see yo’ so soon. Not till jes’ a minute ago. Slim come an’ tol’ me. He say Mink Hall tol’ him.
SAM (_nodding_)
Yas--I seen Mink uptown.
LUCY BELLE
Ah, Sam-boy! Mah budigee lovah! Yo’ ain’ nevah gwine ter leave me agin, is yo’?
SAM
Nevah, honey! No, indeedy! Not ’less dey takes me ’way in a box.
LUCY BELLE
Yo’s de bes’ ole buddy in de worl’!
SAM
Seem ter me like I only had ter shet mah eyes--night or day--an’ see yo’ face. Only thinkin’ ’bout yo’ kep’ me from killin’ ev’body in sight w’en I’se breakin’ mah back on dem rock piles. Yo’ don’ know w’at kin’-a hell I been th’u’, gal. Kin’-a hell dat sets a man crazy--’less he’s careful.
LUCY BELLE
I knows, I knows. Mus’-a been turrible! Turrible! Oh, Gawd!
SAM
Yo’ all stay right on yere--all de time?
LUCY BELLE
Yas, yas. Calc’lated ter move two or free times but could’n’ fin’ nuffin’ ter suit me.
SAM (_glancing about the room and noting that the cupboard and large easy chair are missing_)
Whar’s de cupboard--an’--an’ dat ole easy chaiah?
LUCY BELLE
I--I sol’ ’em.
SAM
Sol’ ’em--!
LUCY BELLE (_with a catch in her voice_)
I--I was broke dere fo’ a while--an’ I had ter.
SAM (_in tones of heartfelt sympathy_)
Yo’ po’ kid! (_Stroking her hair._) Dat’s all right. We ain’ gwine ter boder nuffin’ ’bout dat. (_Studying her face intently._) Yo’ lookin’ mighty thin.
LUCY BELLE
I’se been wukkin’ hard, Sam. ’Tain’t so easy fo’ a gal alone--an’--an’--wid two chillen.
SAM
I know it ain’, honey-baby. Nevah min’--yo’ ain’ gwine ter wuk hard no mo’.
LUCY BELLE (_eagerly_)
Sam--Sam-boy--le’s me an’ yo’ git ’way from yere--!
SAM
W’at yo’ mean--from Wash’nin’--?
LUCY BELLE
Yas, yas. From dis ole hard-luck town!
SAM (_nodding_)
We study ’bout dat d’rectly.
LUCY BELLE
Le’s go ter Baltimo’. Dey was mo’ wuk w’en yo’ was ovah dere befo’--an’ dey paid bettah wages.
SAM
Don’ know how it is now.
LUCY BELLE
Jes’ de same--ev’ybody tell me. An’--an’ ef we stay yere, honey--de _po_-lice be aftah yo’ all de time.
SAM
No dey won’.
LUCY BELLE
Dey will--yo’ knows dey will. Ev’y time dey’s a lil’ trouble dey gwine ter pick yo’ up. An’--an’ me an’ yo’ ain’ nevah had no luck in dis town. Befo’ we was gwine ter Baltimo’ jes’ as soon as yo’ got a steady job--an’ den--at las’ we was gwine anaway. Ef--ef we’d picked right up an’ wen’ at fust ole Jeff Bisbee ’ud nevah come foolin’ ’roun’--an’ yo’d nevah wen’ ter jail--would yo’?
SAM
I reckon not.
LUCY BELLE
I knows yo’ would’n’. Aftah all de trouble we had yere--I hates dis place--! I gotta feelin’ dat nuffin’ ain’ gwine ter come right long as we stay yere. I wan’s ter git ’way! Le’s don’ wait dis time. Le’s git ’way fo’ any ob dat ole hard luck begin!
SAM
Lemme git rested up a lil’--an’ den--
LUCY BELLE
Baby, le’s git out right away--jes’ as quick as we kin. Mah monf yere ain’ up till nex’ week but I don’ care. Le’s pack up an’ beat it--an’ git ’way from all dat hard luck--an’ _po_-lice an’ lyin’ an’ blackguardin’ niggahs. Won’ yo’, honey-baby? Termorrer or nex’ day--de quicker de bettah.
SAM (_nodding_)
All right, lil’ gal. Ef dat’s w’at yo’ wan’s, I reckon we’ll do it.
LUCY BELLE (_throwing her arms about him_)
Baby, baby! Gawd bless yo’! Mah Sam-boy! Mah Sam-boy!
(_Aunt Rebecca enters, Left._)
LUCY BELLE (_breaking away from Sam_)
Oh, Aun’ Becky! Glad ter see yo’!
AUNT REBECCA
Sam! Gawd bless yo’!
SAM
H’yo’ all been?
AUNT REBECCA
’Tolable! ’Tolable! Down wid rheumatiz fo’ a while--but I’se all right now. Mighty glad yo’s out.
SAM
I’se mighty glad ter be out.
AUNT REBECCA
Mus’ ’scuse me. I got ter git home an’ cook some suppah fo’ mah ole man.
LUCY BELLE
Don’ run ’way, Aun’ Becky.
AUNT REBECCA
Mus’, mah chile! See yo’ some mo!
SAM
Goodbye.
(_Aunt Rebecca goes out, Back._)
LUCY BELLE (_moving toward the Left_)
Honey-baby, ’scuse me a minute.
SAM
Whar yo’ gwine?
LUCY BELLE (_nodding toward Left_)
In yere. Be right back.
(_Sam nods. She goes out, Left. Sam moves slowly and thoughtfully about the room. Presently a loud knock sounds on the door, Back. As he nears it, it opens and Lizzie Gibbs rushes in._)
LIZZIE (_halting abruptly_)
Sam!
SAM
W’at in hell is yo’ doin’ yere?
LIZZIE
Well--Sam! So--so yo’s out again! Mah soul, but I’se damn glad ter see yo!
SAM
W’at d’yo’ wan’? D’yo’ yere me?
LIZZIE (_ingratiatingly_)
Sam, kid--come on wid me--fo’ a good time! Le’s cel’brate!
SAM
Ef yo’ keep foolin’ ’roun’ me, yo’s gwine ter git hurt.
LIZZIE
Sam--Sam, ole boy--now hones’, w’at is I evah done ter make yo’ treat me like yo’ has?
SAM
Go ’long! Git out-a yere!
LIZZIE (_with a show of anger_)
Yo’s a damn fool fo’ stickin’ ter dis gal. She don’ mean yo’ no good.
SAM (_menacingly_)
Shet up!
LIZZIE
She don’ care nuffin’ ’bout yo’!
SAM (_stepping toward her_)
Wan’ me ter bus’ yo’ in de mouf?
LIZZIE (_ingratiatingly again_)
Sam--I’se gwine ter git a good job uptown--Monday. I’ll keep yo’ dis wintah, ole kiddo. Yo’ won’ haf ter do no wuk. Should think yo’ wan’ ter take it easy--fo’ a while--now yo’ out-a jail. Don’ yo’? I’ll show yo’ a good time, son. Yo’ kin lay ’roun’ an’ take it easy--an’ git drunk w’en yo’-a min’ ter--
SAM
Git out-a yere!
LIZZIE
Sam, I don’ wan’ ter see nobody like yo’ git tied up agin wid a wench like her. Onct was ’nuff--but--
SAM
Git out-a yere--d’yo’ yere me? Beat it!
LIZZIE (_angrily_)
Yo’s a great big stiff ter let a gal like her take yo’ in.
(_The door, Left, opens slightly and Lucy Belle can be seen listening._)
SAM (_savagely_)
Shet up!
LIZZIE
Why, she been runnin’ ’roun’ wid Chick Avery--evah since yo’ lef. Ha! Ha!
SAM
Dat’s a lie!
LIZZIE
So he’p me Gawd, dat’s de truf--an’ I kin prove it!
SAM (_menacingly_)
It’s a lie!
LIZZIE
She bleed yo’ ter deaf an’ den tuhn yo’ loose. I’se tellin’ yo’!
SAM (_hitting her on the jaw_)
Shet up! Yo’ blackguardin’ hussy!
LIZZIE (_shrieking_)
Murder! Murder! _Po_-lice! _Po_-lice! Murder!
(_Sam darts out the door, Back. Lucy Belle closes the door, Left. Hurried footsteps are heard off stage, Back. Lizzie glances out of the window, Left Back, gives a little gasp, looks wildly about for a place to hide, runs to the closet door, opens it, darts in and pulls it shut after her. A policeman enters, Back._)
POLICEMAN (_calling out_)
What’s the trouble here?
(_He stands looking about the room for a moment or two, then advances toward the door, Left. It suddenly opens and Lucy Belle enters._)
POLICEMAN (_gruffly_)
What’s the matter?
LUCY BELLE
Nuffin’--nuffin’ at all, sir.
POLICEMAN
There was so! (_Striding over to her._) Who was that yellin’?
LUCY BELLE
I--I don’ know, sir. It was’n’ yere.
POLICEMAN
Stop your lyin’. I know better!
LUCY BELLE
No, no! Hones’ ter Gawd!
POLICEMAN
Say--where d’yuh get that stuff? Don’t yuh think I got ears? (_Goes to the door, Left._) Who’s in here?
LUCY BELLE
Jes’ mah chillen.
(_He goes out, Left. She stands watching him. In a moment he re-enters._)
POLICEMAN (_studying her with an ugly, menacing look_)
I’ve a good mind to lock you up anyway.
LUCY BELLE (_with a beseeching wail_)
Oh--, oh, please sir,--I ain’ done nuffin’!
POLICEMAN (_as he moves toward the door, Back_)
Yuh better watch your step. I ain’t goin’ to stand for no skylarkin’ around this neighborhood.
(_He goes out, Back, and closes the door after him. Lucy Belle turns and goes off hurriedly, Left. She re-enters immediately carrying the baby in her arms and starts toward the door, Back. A second later Fanny--in her nightgown--runs in, Left._)
FANNY
Mamma!
LUCY BELLE
Hush, chile!
FANNY
Whar yo’ gwine?
LUCY BELLE
Gwine ter take de baby ovah ter yo’ Aun’ Becky’s. Git right back ter bed. Go ’long!
(_Fanny goes out, Left, closing the door after her. Lucy Belle starts again toward the door, Back. Lizzie steps abruptly out from the closet._)
LIZZIE (_with a sardonic leer_)
So dat’s yo’ baby, is it?
LUCY BELLE (_halting with a startled cry_)
Oh! Oh, mah Gawd!
LIZZIE
I knowed I’d git yo’! Pretendin’ ter be such a lil’ angel! Ha! Ha! Been up ter all kin’-a tricks, ain’ yo’?
LUCY BELLE
Git out-a yere!
LIZZIE (_slouching slowly toward the door, Back_)
I got yo’ numbah, now--yo’ lil’ rat! Ha! Ha!
LUCY BELLE
W’at in hell d’yo’ mean? It ain’ mah chile!
LIZZIE
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ain’ yo’ chile! Ain’ yo’ chile! Yo’s a good lil’ liah, ain’ yo’?
LUCY BELLE (_passionately defiant_)
No--it ain’--yo’ blackguardin’ hussy!
LIZZIE
Ha! Ha! It sartainly do look like Chick--jes’ ’zactly. Wait till I tells Sam. He one-a dem kin’ dat ain’ so partic’lar. He don’ min’ accidents now an’ den. Ha! Ha! (_She goes out, Back._)
(_Lucy Belle stands staring tragically to the front. Suddenly a look of desperation comes into her face and she dashes out, Back. Presently Aunt Rebecca enters, Back, and looks inquiringly about._)
AUNT REBECCA (_calling_)
Lucy Belle! Oh, Lucy Belle!
(_Fanny runs in, Left._)
FANNY
Mamma gwine ovah ter yo’ house wid de baby.
AUNT REBECCA (_nonplussed_)
Mah house!
FANNY
Dat w’at she say.
AUNT REBECCA
’Deed, chile, yo’ all mus’ been dreamin’.
FANNY (_with a whimper_)
Den--den I don’ know whar she is.
AUNT REBECCA
Yo’ been dreamin’. Go ’long back ter bed.
(_Fanny reluctantly leaves, Left. Aunt Rebecca sits down in a chair and chants to herself._)
AUNT REBECCA
Devil gwine ter git yo’! Um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a! Devil gwine ter git yo’! Um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a--um--a! Devil gwine ter git yo’!
(_Suddenly Slim rushes in, Back, breathing heavily and wild-eyed._)
SLIM
A-aun’ Becky!
AUNT REBECCA
Yas! Yas!
SLIM
Lucy Belle drown de baby!
AUNT REBECCA (_jumping up with a shriek_)
Oh! Oh, mah Gawd! Oh, oh!
SLIM (_jerkily_)
Me an’ Mink Hall--an’ some oder niggahs--in a game ovah by dem coal chutes. She sneak ’long by Graley’s ice house--den run out on de wharf an’ th’u it in. Me an’ Mink seen ef we would save it--but it was’n’ no use. It--it was too da’k. Soon as ’Luce seen me she run’ as fas’ as she coul’. I believe she gone plum crazy.
AUNT REBECCA
Gawd-a-massy! Gawd-a-massy! Dat po’ chile! I knowed somefin’ tumble gwine ter happen.
SLIM
Yo’--yo’ ain’ seen her, is yo’?
AUNT REBECCA
Gawd-a-massy, no!
SLIM
Come on! Le’s see ef we kin fin’ her.
(_Aunt Rebecca and Slim go out, Back. In the course of a brief interval Lucy Belle enters stealthily, Back,--dishevelled and terrified. She moves agitatedly about the room, twining and intertwining her fingers. Presently Sam enters, Back._)
SAM
Lucy Belle!
LUCY BELLE (_in tremulous tones--as she pulls herself together with a mighty effort_)
Sam-boy!
SAM
Was’n’ gwine ter take no chances.
LUCY BELLE (_avoiding his direct gaze_)
No, no! Honey-baby! Mah ole budigee honey-baby! I’se so scar’t I did’n’ know w’at ter do.
SAM (_sharply_)
Yo’ yere w’at she was tellin’ me?
LUCY BELLE (_lying_)
I yere jes’ a lil’.
SAM (_fiercely_)
She say yo’ all been foolin’ ’roun’ wid Chick Avery.
LUCY BELLE
It’s a lie! Ain’ a wud ob truf in it!
SAM (_grabbing her and searching her face with a gaze of tense scrutiny_)
Have yo’?
LUCY BELLE
No, no! Sam! Fo’ Gawd’s sake! Yo’ don’ believe a devil like her, d’yo’?
SAM
Ef I ketches yo’ runnin’ wid anabody else I’se gwine ter kill yo’!
LUCY BELLE (_passionately_)
Sam-boy! Hones’ ter Gawd--I ain’ had nuffin’ ter do wid nobody since yo’ been gone! Nuffin’ at all! Yo’ believe yo’ lil’ budigee, don’ yo’? Don’ yo’, honey-baby?
(_Lizzie enters, Back._)
LIZZIE (_with a cry of triumph_)
I knowed I’d git yo’ numbah!
SAM
Git out-a yere! D’yo’ wan’ me ter kill yo’?
LIZZIE
Sam--Sam--she got-a baby! It Chick Avery’s. It’s yere! Dat’s de way she treat yo’ all! Ha! Ha! Makin’ a damn fool ob yo’! I allas knowed yo’s an easy mark!
LUCY BELLE (_screaming_)
It’s a lie! It’s a lie! Don’ yo’ believe her, Sam!
(_Sam starts for Lizzie. She backs out of the door, Back._)
LIZZIE (_just outside of the doorway--at the top of her voice_)
I tol’ yo’ I’d git yo’! I tol’ yo’ I’d git yo’! Ha! Ha!
(_Sam starts to rush out after her. He hesitates, however, and finally bangs the door shut and turns to Lucy Belle._)
SAM (_fiercely_)
Yo’ yere w’at she say?
LUCY BELLE (_palsied with fear_)
It ain’ so! It’s a lie! Yo’ knows she could’n’ tell de truf! She nuffin’ but a dirty, lyin’ hussy--! Yo’ don’ believe her, do yo’?
SAM (_harshly_)
Lemme look ’roun’ yere!
LUCY BELLE
Ain’ no use, honey. Yo’ ain’ gwine ter see nuffin’.
SAM (_shoving her aside roughly_)
Lemme look! (_He starts toward Left._)
LUCY BELLE
Ain’ nobody but Fanny an’ Israel in dere!
SAM (_loudly_)
Ef yo’ try any funny bus’ness wid me I’ll kill yo’! Damn yo’ heart ter hell!
(_He goes out, Left, closely followed by Lucy Belle. The door stands open and their voices can be heard._)
LUCY BELLE (_off stage, Left_)
See, Sam--ain’ nobody but Fanny an’ Israel. Don’ wake ’em up! Jes’ mah clothes, Sam-boy! Aw, yo’ believes me--don’ yo’? Yo’ don’ believe an’ ole wench like her!
SAM (_savagely_)
Chick Avery been hangin’ ’roun’ yere?
LUCY BELLE
No, no! He ain’ even in town no mo’. It’s all a dirty lie! Lizzie allas blackguardin’ me--don’ yo’ know she is--evah since yo’ an’ me met up! She say anathin’--anathin’ at all ter git back at me.
(_They re-enter, Left._)
SAM (_grabbing her by the shoulder and swinging her around full-face to him_)
Yo’ is seen Chick Avery!
LUCY BELLE
No--no--I ain’--sweah ter Gawd I ain’! Aw, Sam, yo’ believes yo’ honey-baby, don’ yo’?
(_A tense pause. He stares down at her as though trying to read the truth in her eyes._)
SAM (_at length_)
Ef she keep on blackguardin’ yo’, I’se gwine ter kill her!
LUCY BELLE
Yo’ ain’ gwine ter boder ’bout her--or nobody, Sam-boy! We gwine ter git ’way from all dem ole niggahs like her--quick as we kin! Ain’ we, honey-baby? (_Fondly._) Bes’ ole buddy in de worl’! I wan’s yo’, Sam--jes’ yo’--nuffin’ else.
SAM (_muttering_)
I’ll clean up fo’ dat gal!
LUCY BELLE
Yo’ loves me, don’ yo’?
SAM (_impulsively taking her in his arms and clasping her tightly to him_)
Yo’s all I got in de worl’! Ef yo’ fools me, I’ll tuhn bad fo’ life.
LUCY BELLE
Sam, mah budigee baby, mah ole Sam-boy baby! Ain’ nuffin’ on Gawd’s earf I would’n’ do fo’ yo’! (_Earnestly, as she stares up into his face._) Yo’ an’ me’s gwine ter Baltimo’ right ’way quick--ain’ we?
(_Sam nods_)
SAM (_fondly_)
Honey-baby! Honey-baby!
(_Aunt Rebecca rushes in excitedly, Back._)
AUNT REBECCA
Lucy Belle! Mah Gawd! Lucy Belle! Is yo’ crazy? Dey fish him out--de baby! Oh, mah Gawd!
(_Lucy Belle gives a stifled cry and breaks away from Sam._)
SAM
Baby! W’at d’yo’ mean?
(_A tense silence of several seconds. At length Sam divines her meaning. Aunt Rebecca staggers back--under the stress of the sudden realization of what the consequences of her revelation are likely to be. Lucy Belle stands at one side, moaning softly. Sam rushes at Aunt Rebecca, hits her and knocks her out through the door, Back. She screams. He rushes over, closes the door and locks it._)
SAM (_rushing at Lucy Belle_)
Damn yo’ black heart ter hell! (_She gives an unearthly shriek._) Yo’ will double-cross me! Dis is de way yo’ pays me fo’ all I done fo’ yo’!
LUCY BELLE (_dropping to her knees_)
Sam--Sam--boy--listen! Lemme tell yo’! Oh, Gawd! It ain’--
SAM (_grabbing her_)
I’ll show yo’ how ter play dat kin’-a game!
LUCY BELLE (_frantically_)
Sam! Sam!
SAM
I’ll fix yo’!
(_He takes her by the throat and slowly chokes her to death. She struggles desperately to free herself. At length she grows quiet and her body limp. He throws her on the floor, stands gazing at her for a moment or two, grabs up his hat, slinks to the door, Back, unlocks it, opens it cautiously and goes out, closing it after him._)
CURTAIN
* * * * *
Transcriber’s Note
Inconsistencies in hyphenation, spelling, and the use of apostrophes have been retained, except in the following apparent typographical errors.
Page 50, “Bell” changed to “Belle.” (_Lucy Belle jumps up_)
Page 118, “cubpoard” changed to “cupboard.” (_She goes to the cupboard, Left_)
Page 133, “Lucky” changed to “Lucy.” (LUCY BELLE I don’ know! I don’ know!)