Come in!

(The door opens and Chick Avery enters. Lucy Belle struggles to her feet.)

CHICK

Back agin—!

LUCY BELLE

Oh—er—! Did’n’ take yo’ long—.

CHICK

No rooms at de Gran’ Imperial. Gwine on out ter mah broder’s.

(He directs a fascinated gaze at her for a brief interval, as though half-tempted to make another ardent and forcible appeal. He thinks better of it, however, and starts to reach for the suit case.)