RACHEL

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[2] 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.

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[3] 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.

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 [5]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[6] 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.

[7]

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[9] 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”)—

(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[11] 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”)—

(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.[13] (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?

[14]

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.[15] 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[17] 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.)

[18]

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[19] 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).

[20]

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.

[21]

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[22] 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.

[23]

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[24] 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[25] 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[26] 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[27] 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[28] 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).

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.

Mrs. Loving (Impressively): We must never—as long—as we live—forget this day.

Rachel: No, Ma dear.

Tom: No, Ma.

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[42] 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,[43] 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![44] (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).

[45]

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).[46] 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[47] 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.

[50]

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[51] 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[52] 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!”[53] 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.[54] 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[56] 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.[57] 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?

[58]

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[59] 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).[60] 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,[61] 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: 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[62] 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[63] 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).

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.

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).

[81]

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[82] 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,[83] 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,[84] 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.[86] 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[87] 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[88] 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[90] 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):