Page:The New Negro.pdf/213

Rh [More impatiently as the argument advances.]

You been pass the store.

[Sullenly.]

You sent me to the store and that's where Ah've been.

Ah tell you, you been pass the store! What's that mud doin' on your shoes if you ain't been pass the store? Ain't no mud like that 'tween here and the store!

[ is silent.] What's the matter with you—can't you talk?

Ah walked down the road a little piece with Jack.

Ah sent you to the store! Ah didn't send you to walk with Jack!

We wanted to talk.

Talk about what? [ is silent.] What you doin' cryin'?

Ah ain't cryin'.

You been cryin'! Can't Ah see where the tears been runnin' down your face?

[ looks down.]

Now what you been cryin' about?

[ is silent. ]

Don't you hear me talkin' to you?

[ ''is still silent. Pause. Almost in tears herself.'']