Jimmy: Is there really and truly, Ma Rachel, a Land of Laughter?
Rachel: Oh! Jimmy, let’s hope so; let’s pray so.
Jimmy (Frowns): I’ve been thinking—(Pauses). You have to smile at the gate, don’t you, to get in?
Rachel: Yes, honey.
Jimmy: Well, I guess I couldn’t smile if my Ma Rachel wasn’t somewhere close to me. So I couldn’t get in after all, could I? Tonight, I’ll go somewhere else, and tell you all about it. And then, some day, we’ll go together, won’t we?
Rachel (Sadly): Yes, honey, some day—some day. (A short silence). Well, this isn’t going to “sleepy-sleep,” is it? Go, now, and say good-night to Ma Loving and Uncle Tom.
Jimmy (Gets down obediently, and goes first to Ma Loving. She leans over, and he puts his little arms around her neck. They kiss; very sweetly): Sweet dreams! God keep you all the night!
Mrs. Loving: The sweetest of sweet dreams to you, dear little boy! Good-night! (Rachel watches, unwatched, the scene. Her eyes are full of yearning).
Jimmy (Going to Tom, who makes believe he does not see him): Uncle Tom!
Tom (Jumps as though tremendously startled; Jimmy laughs): My! how you frightened me. You’ll put my gizzard out of commission, if you do that often. Well, sir, what can I do for you?