180
THE NEW NEGRO
JANE
Ah don't like the looks o' things, Ben Carter; Ah don't like it a bit.
CARTER
Don't reckon it's nothin' but a few cross words.
JANE
She wouldn't cry about no cross words-not Annie.
CARTER
What else could it be?
JANE
Ah don't know. Ah hope there ain't nothin' wrong. Ah hope to Gawd it ain't.
CARTER
It can't be nothin' wrong. All them children but Alec's been playin' together like brothers and sisters all their lives.
JANE
[Who has gone to the door.]
Here she comes now.
[Carter drinks the last of his coffee and they wait in silence until Annie enters. Jane has come back to the table and Annie, although it is summer, closes the door behind her by backing against it.]
What you shuttin' the door for an' it roastin' like this? What you wipin' yo' eyes about? [Annie reopens the door.] Where you been? Ah just sent Ruth after you.
ANNIE
Ah've been to the store.
