Nevah yo’ min’! Nevah yo’ min’!
(A knock on the door, Back. Lucy Belle and Aunt Rebecca start.)
LUCY BELLE (calling out in tremulous tones)
Who dat?
SAM (off, Back)
Me—!
LUCY BELLE (with a gasp)
It Sam—!
(She motions to Aunt Rebecca to leave the room. The old woman goes off hurriedly, Left. Lucy Belle stands hesitant. A look of dire fear comes over her face, and she appears to be on the verge of collapse. However, with an effort she controls herself and goes uncertainly to the door, Back, and opens it. Sam steps in. He looks older and thinner than in Act I and his hair is streaked with gray, and his shoulders are a trifle more stooped than before. He wears a dark suit of clothes—the sort furnished to prisoners on the occasion of their release—a collar, but no tie, and he carries a small bundle under one arm. In one hand he carries his hat.)
SAM (springing forward with a cry of joy)