LUCY BELLE (with a cry of mingled joy and agitation)

Sam—!

SAM (closing the door and moving slowly down to Center)

H’yo’—?

LUCY BELLE (leaps to his side and grabs his arm)

Sam—Sam-boy! Jes’ talkin’ wid—wid Chick Avery yere—yo’—yo’ knows Chick—

CHICK (circumspectly)

H’yo’, Sam.

(Sam glowers at Chick for a moment before replying.)

SAM (at length—with ill grace)