Rachel: A Play in Three Acts

by Angelina Weld Grimké

Tom (Threateningly): Don’t you dare.

Rachel (Rising and going toward him): I will! I will! I will!

Tom (Rising, too, and dodging her): No, you don’t, young lady. (A tremendous tussle and scuffle ensues).

Mrs. Loving (Laughing): For Heaven’s sake! children, do stop playing and eat your supper. (They nod brightly at each other behind her back and return smiling to the table).

Rachel (Sticking out her tongue at Tom): I will!

Tom (Mimicking her): You won’t!

Mrs. Loving: Children! (They eat for a time in silence).

Rachel: Ma dear, have you noticed Mary Shaw doesn’t come here much these days?

Mrs. Loving: Why, that’s so, she doesn’t. Have you two quarreled?

Rachel: No, Ma dear. (Uncomfortably). I—think I know the reason—but I don’t like to say, unless I’m certain.