(MAYNARD starts to chase CHARLIE, who quickly exits.)
MAYNARD: (To VIOLA.) What is your idea, daughter?
VIOLA: I propose that all the girls dress themselves as pickaninnies and indulge in the sports and pastimes of the South before the War, so that Old Black Joe will think he is once more among the scenes of his boyhood days.
MAYNARD: A great idea—and we'll put it into execution at once.
(A PICKANINNY NUMBER BY THE GIRLS LED BY VIOLA. When the pickaninny number is over, "Old Black Joe." ENTIRE COMPANY DRESSES THE STAGE and forms itself into picturesque groupings. Selections by a colored quartette can also be appropriately introduced.)
(Song, "Old Black Joe," by OLD BLACK JOE, company joining in the chorus.)
JOE: Bless me, am I dreaming, or do I see once more de old plantation?
MAYNARD: (Cordially.) The very same, Joe, the very same.
JOE: Why, it seems, Massa, as if a heavy load is lifting from mah mind and de memory of things dat I'se forgotten dese fifty years am coming back to me.
VIOLA: Three cheers for Old Black Joe! (Entire company gives cheers.)