Only don’t forget to sail
Back again to me.”
(Presently she rises and goes to Jimmy, who is lolling back happily in the big chair. During the singing, Tom and Mrs. Loving apparently do not listen; when she sobs, however, Tom’s hand on his paper tightens; Mrs. Loving’s needle poises for a moment in mid-air. Neither looks at Rachel. Jimmy evidently has not noticed the sob).
Rachel (Kneeling by Jimmy): Well, honey, how did you like it?
Jimmy (Proceeding to pull down her hair from the twist): It was lovely, Ma Rachel. (Yawns audibly). Now, Ma Rachel, I’m just beautifully sleepy. (Dreamily) I think that p’r’aps I’ll go to the Land of Laughter tonight in my dreams. I’ll go in the “Slumber Boat” and come back in the morning and tell you all about it. Shall I?
Rachel: Yes, honey. (Whispers)
“Only don’t forget to sail
Back again to me.”
Tom (Suddenly): Rachel! (Rachel starts slightly). I nearly forgot. John is coming here tonight to see how you are. He told me to tell you so.
Rachel (Stiffens perceptibly, then in different tones): Very well. Thank you. (Suddenly with a little cry she puts her arms around Jimmy) Jimmy! honey! don’t go tonight. Don’t go without Ma Rachel. Wait for me, honey. I do so wish to go, too, to the Land of Laughter. Think of it, Jimmy; nothing but birds always singing, and flowers always blooming, and skies always blue—and people, all of them, always laughing, laughing. You’ll wait for Ma Rachel, won’t you, honey?