SAM. [Shaking hands.] I didn't know how you'd feel about it.
MRS. VERNON. [Shaking.] Why, Lor', Sam—I'm glad—I'll bet Em'ly kissed him.
KATE and LIZBETH shake hands with SAM. Enter JIM—EM'LY runs to him.
EM'LY. Jim!
JIM puts his left arm around EM'LY and sits on anvil.
SAM. [Approaching and taking JIM'S hand, smiling.] You didn't think I done it, did you, Jim?
JIM. [Nods at EM'LY.] No, not while she's keepin' house for me—ha, ha!
EM'LY. He's always stood up for you, Sam.
JOE. Well, tell us 'bout it, Sam. Did the papers have it right?
They are a semi-circle about SAM.