“You know Lou Trainer? Did you ever see Lou Trainer anywheres?” Lethe asked, and she turned toward Theodosia slightly, asking her.
“I know Lou. A dark girl. Thin. Walks fast. Yes. I saw her since dark.”
“Where’d you see Lou Trainer since dark?”
“Just now. Out the Johntown pike a little piece.”
A cry like a wail came from Lethe’s mouth and was mingled with her words which were at first undistinguished. “Out that way. Let me get a hold on her throat. I’ll strangle her breath outen her body.”
Americy had begun to sing, or to hum unevenly, some song that was used in the church. As she sang she rocked herself back and forth. Her tune ran with a long slow measure and she intoned the words as if she thought of an organ accompaniment. The song,
Comen home, comen home,
Lord, I’m comen home.
Open wide thine arms, Oh, God,
Lord, I’m comen home.