178
THE NEW NEGRO
JANE
That's what Ah would. If Ah had 'a' thought you killed ma oldest boy on purpose do you think you could 'a' come in here and drunk ma coffee without me p'izonin' you? Ah'd 'a' put enough p'izon in you to kill ten horses, Ben. You'd 'a' been dead so long your bones would 'a' been dust.
CARTER
Ah never thought it of you, Jane.
JANE
Could you blame me if Ah had 'a' thought you killed Joe on purpose?
CARTER
I can't say I could 'a' blamed you if you had 'a' thought that.
JANE
You just go home and pray and thank your Gawd Ah didn't think that.
CARTER
I'll have to talk to Alec and see if I can't get him to see it like you do.
JANE
Ah wish you could get him to see it that a way.
[Ruth enters with the basket on her arm.]
JANE
Where's Annie?
RUTH
[Looking from her mother to Carter.]
She stopped to talk to Jack Carter.
