Jimmy: Ma Rachel, what is a “Nigger”?
(Rachel recoils as though she had been struck).
Rachel: Honey boy, why—why do you ask that?
Jimmy: Some big boys called me that when I came out of school just now. They said: “Look at the little nigger!” And they laughed. One of them runned, no ranned, after me and threw stones; and they all kept calling “Nigger! Nigger! Nigger!” One stone struck me hard in the back, and it hurt awful bad; but I didn’t cry, Ma Rachel. I wouldn’t let them make me cry. The stone hurts me there, Ma Rachel; but what they called me hurts and hurts here. What is a “Nigger,” Ma Rachel?
Rachel (Controlling herself with a tremendous effort. At last she sweeps down upon him and hugs and kisses him): Why, honey boy, those boys didn’t mean anything. Silly, little, honey boy! They’re rough, that’s all. How could they mean anything?
Jimmy: You’re only saying that, Ma Rachel, so I won’t be hurt. I know. It wouldn’t ache here like it does—if they didn’t mean something.
Rachel (Abruptly): Where’s Mary, honey?
Jimmy: She’s in her flat. She came in just after I did.
Rachel: Well, honey, I’m going to give you two big cookies and two to take to Mary; and you may stay in there and play with her, till I get your lunch ready. Won’t that be jolly?
Jimmy (Brightening a little): Why, you never give me but one at a time. You’ll give me two?—One? Two? (Rachel gets the cookies and brings them to him. Jimmy climbs down from the chair). Shoo! now, little honey boy. See how many laughs you can make for me, before I come after you. Hear? Have a good time, now. (Jimmy starts for the door quickly; but he begins to slow down. His face gets long and serious again. Rachel watches him).