Page:The New Negro.pdf/218

186 I'll do what's reasonable, but it's got to be fair. I ain't for makin' enemies.

Then, educate ma children.

What you mean?

Ah mean pay for Alec and Ruth to go to school. That's been ma plan all the time but you spoiled it when you shot Joe.

Ain't you askin' a whole lot, Jane?

Askin' a whole lot! You think you kin pay for Joe's life with a little money? You think you kin pay for Annie bein' ruined with a little money?

I ain't tryin' to pay for neither one. I just want to be fair.

Three of us is done for on account o' you all, but Ah won't count that no good husband o'mine. Just count the two children, Joe and Annie. Now—don't you think you ought to do somethin' for us?

That's what I'm willin' to do.

Look at me and look at yourself. Ah'm a lone woman and poor with three children; you're one o' the richest men in the county, if not the richest, with a wife and one child. Does