I tell yo’ why I got ter go easy wid her—till I see mah way out. Maybe yo’ kin he’p me—

AUNT REBECCA

Sho’—!

LUCY BELLE

Yo’ see she’s de onlies’ one ob all dem blackguardin’ niggahs dat uster live ’roun’ me ovah dere in Carter Street—fo’ I moves yere ter Goat Alley—(Breaks off and stares sombrely into space for several moments, then proceeds with a slight catch in her voice.) Aun’ Becky, I’se had it hard. Ain’ nevah had much luck—’deed I ain’—’cept meetin’ up wid Sam agin.

AUNT REBECCA

Yo’ ain’ nevah tol’ me much ’bout yo’se’f.

LUCY BELLE

Nevah tol’ nobody—much. W’at’s de use?

AUNT REBECCA