Page:The New Negro.pdf/218

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186
THE NEW NEGRO

CARTER

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

JANE

Then, educate ma children.

CARTER

What you mean?

JANE

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.

CARTER

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

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?

CARTER

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

JANE

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?

CARTER

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

JANE

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