182
THE NEW NEGRO
Is there anything between you and Jack Carter?
[Annie bends her head still lower. Jane leans closer, trying to look into Annie's face, and speaks almost pleadingly.]
For mercy's sake, child, tell me if anything's wrong between you and Jack!
[Unable to keep silent any longer, Annie, with a quick look at Carter, who has been an attentive listener, hides her face with her arms and runs out towards the stairway. Jane turns to Carter and speaks excitedly.]
You see how things is, Ben Carter! You see!
[She follows Annie out and Carter, who has half risen from his chair, sits again perplexed. There is a silence until Ruth's laughter is heard as she is being chased about the yard by Alec. Presently she runs in and goes towards the stairs with Alec after her. He stops in surprise and starts out when he sees Carter, but Carter rises.]
CARTER
[As Alec starts out.]
Alec!
[Alec stops and looks at him without speaking.]
What you got against me, Alec?
ALEC
Ah ain't got nothin' particular against you.
CARTER
You ain't friendly.
ALEC
Ah ain't got much cause to be friendly.
CARTER
Me and your people here been livin' side by side for years and we always got along all right, but you always seem like you're mad.
