Jimmy: I stole in “creepy-creep” and looked at Ma Loving and she was awful fast asleep. (Proudly) Ma Rachel, I’m a “nawful,” big boy now, aren’t I? I are almost a man, aren’t I?
Rachel: Oh! Boy, I’m getting tired of correcting you—“I am almost a man, am I not?” Jimmy, boy, what will Ma Rachel do, if you grow up? Why, I won’t have a little boy any more! Honey, you mustn’t grow up, do you hear? You mustn’t.
Jimmy: Oh, yes, I must; and you’ll have me just the same, Ma Rachel. I’m going to be a policeman and make lots of money for you and Ma Loving and Uncle Tom, and I’m going to buy you some trains and fire-engines, and little, cunning ponies, and some rabbits, and some great ’normous banks full of money—lots of it. And then, we are going to live in a great, big castle and eat lots of ice cream, all the time, and drink lots and lots of nice pink lemonade.
Rachel: What a generous Jimmy boy! (Hugs him). Before I give you “morning kiss,” I must see how clean my boy is. (Inspects teeth, ears and neck). Jimmy, you’re sweet and clean enough to eat. (Kisses him; he tries to strangle her with hugs). Now the hands. Oh! Jimmy, look at those nails! Oh! Jimmy! (Jimmy wriggles and tries to get his hands away). Honey, get my file off of my bureau and go to Ma Loving; she must be awake by this time. Why, honey, what’s the matter with your feet?
Jimmy: I don’t know. I thought they looked kind of queer, myself. What’s the matter with them?
Rachel (Laughing): You have your shoes on the wrong feet.
Jimmy (Bursts out laughing): Isn’t that most ’normously funny? I’m a case, aren’t I—(pauses thoughtfully) I mean—am I not, Ma Rachel?
Rachel: Yes, honey, a great big case of molasses. Come, you must hurry now, and get dressed. You don’t want to be late for school, you know.
Jimmy: Ma Rachel! (Shyly) I—I have been making something for you all the morning—ever since I waked up. It’s awful nice. It’s—stoop down, Ma Rachel, please—a great, big (puts both arms about her neck and gives her a noisy kiss. Rachel kisses him in return, then pushes his head back. For a long moment they look at each other; and, then, laughing joyously, he makes believe he is a horse, and goes prancing out of the room. Rachel, with a softer, gentler expression, continues setting the table. Presently, Mrs. Loving, bent and worn-looking, appears in the doorway in the rear. She limps a trifle.)
Mrs. Loving: Good morning, dearie. How’s my little girl, this morning? (Looks around the room). Why, where’s Tom? I was certain I heard him running the water in the tub, sometime ago. (Limps into the room).