How—how soon yo’ think dey let him out?

SLIM

Don’ know. Yo’ nevah kain tell.

LUCY BELLE

Maybe in anoder yeah?

SLIM

Ef he have any luck.

LUCY BELLE (clasping her hands tightly together and raising her eyes heavenward)

Oh, Gawd! Ef he only do—! I kin make out fo’ ’noder yeah ef I keeps wukkin’ fo’ Moy—an’ washin’ extra yere at home like I is—an’ ef I keeps de room rented right ’long.

SLIM