Tom: You ’barrass me, son. Here, Ma, take your boy. Now remember all I told you, Jimmy.
Jimmy: I ’members.
Mrs. Loving: God bless you, Tom. Good luck.
Jimmy (To Tom): God bless you, Uncle Tom. Good luck!
Tom (Much affected, but with restraint, rising): Thank you—Good-bye. (Mrs. Loving and Jimmy go out through the vestibule. Tom lights a cigarette and tries to read the paper. He soon sinks into a brown study. Presently Rachel enters humming. Tom relights his cigarette; and Rachel proceeds to clear the table. In the midst of this, the bell rings three distinct times).
Rachel and Tom: John!
Tom: I wonder what’s up—It’s rather early for him.—I’ll go. (Rises leisurely and goes out into the vestibule. The outer door opens and shuts. Men’s voices are heard. Tom and John Strong enter. During the ensuing conversation Rachel finishes clearing the table, takes the fern off, puts on the green table-cloth, places a doily carefully in the centre, and replaces the fern. She apparently pays no attention to the conversation between her brother and Strong. After she has finished, she goes to the kitchenette. The rattle of dishes can be heard now and then).
Rachel (Brightly): Well, stranger, how does it happen you’re out so early in the morning?
Strong: I hadn’t seen any of you for a week, and I thought I’d come by, on my way to work, and find out how things are going. There is no need of asking how you are, Rachel. And the mother and the boy?
Rachel: Ma dear’s rheumatism still holds on.—Jimmy’s fine.