188
THE NEW NEGRO
ALEC
What's the good o' lettin' Ben Carter come in here and drink our coffee up every day or so? He don't give you nothin' for it, does he, or nothin' much, I'll bet
[She looks up and he notices her tears.]
What you doin'—cryin'?
JANE
Nothin'. Ah ain't feelin' good.
ALEC
[Putting the wood on the bench.]
What's the matter?
JANE
Don't ask a lot o' questions, now. Ah ain't feelin' good.
[With this she goes through the door which leads to the stairs. Ruth passes her in the doorway and stops to look around at her.]
ALEC
[Calling Ruth in subdued tones.]
Come here.
RUTH
[Going to him.]
What you want?
ALEC
What's the matter with Ma?
RUTH
Ah don't know. Why?
ALEC
Ah found huh in here cryin'.
