ACT III.

..........

..........

Place..........A corner of the cotton fields of the Shelby plantation.

Time..........A few days later. Early evening.

...

...

SCENE..........Cotton fields shown across entire rear. Bushes or large shade tree, R. Bushes and opening of arbor at L. Cotton pickers (negroes) working and singing in field U. as they work. FOUR male pickers (the quartette) work near front, two, about finished, with their baskets on their shoulders...one with basket on his head, awaiting his companions to finish, and a third, with basket on ground, still picking. Here and there back in the fields we see others coming in, baskets on head...and down in the L. corner sitting in a nearly filled basket, is a naked baby pickaninny, a dummy, his mother filling a second basket at her side.

..........

.....NUMBER by QUARTETTE.....

  The quartette sings without any musical instrument accompaniment, only the humming of ensemble.

..........

  Just as Number nears the end, the four men shoulder their baskets and go off U.L., still singing, their song dying off softly as they travel, the "humming" continuing until last note.

..........

  (Quartette exits, cotton-baskets on shoulders...then banjoes play...the darkies throw themselves on grass...and...

FIRST DANCER does his Specialty,

followed with applause and shouts. He is immediately followed by...

SECOND SPECIALTY...

Same bus. This continues until all Specialties have been done.

.....SPECIALTIES OVER.....

.....GONG SOUNDS OFF.....

ALL leap to feet...take baskets to shoulders...and follow the banjo-players, off, shuffling their feet...dancing...laughing.

(Enter Chloe swiftly D.L., in clean, stiffly starched calico dress, with white head-kerchief...neckerchief...and white apron, white stockings, and flat black shoes. She is calling her first boy as she enters)

  Obadiah?

("Yaas'm" comes from off somewhere)

  Amariah?

(Same business...another direction)

  Zachariah?

(Same bus.)

  Mordecai?

(Same bus.)

  Hell's Fiah?

(Piping voice answers "Yaas'm")

  Come heah, yo'all!

(Instantly they run in from U.R., D.R. and U.L.)

  Heah I is, Mammy.

  What yo' want, mammy?

  Ise heah, Mammy!

(Counting heads)

  One...two...three...four...five...How many's missin'?

(Pointing to girl lying in grass R.)

  Pol'Maria

  Pol'Maria?

(Peers at her)

(Sleepily...sitting up, stretching)

  Yaas'm?

  What ailin' yo', young'n? Don't yo' heah yo' mammy collectin' huh offsprings?

  Yaas'm.

  Den gets up. Masrse Gawge done go legalize de plantashum, an' bringin' yo' pappy home tonight.

(Smiling happily)

  Den Ah didn't dreamed it?

  No, ma'am! Massa Gawge done write it in a letteh...so go wash yo' earses an' necks, chilluns...

(Peers at ears of children before her)

(Rising)

  Ah jus' done did wash mah necks. Two days ago.

  Did yo'? Why didn' yo' tell Mammy? Den yo' stays an' helps desecrate. Now run along, chilluns...an' get ready to meet yo' pappy at de gate!

(Claps hands together)

  Scott!

  Yaas'm!

(And rush off pellmell, D.L. shouting "Pappy's camin' home!" "Pappy's camin' home!" "Pappy's camin' home!")

(Enter Mrs. Shelby U.L. dressed in simple tasteful mourning...bareheaded, with a filmy black lace scarf over her shoulders, carrying half a dozen three-yard strands of flowers braided together...followed by two negro lads bearing a hamper between them...and two other boys with Chinese lanterns, already lighted. THESE BOYS go at once to hang lanterns on trees at R. and L., occasionally going off U.L. and returning with other lanterns...Mrs. Shelby comes dead C. as she speaks first line)

  For heaven's sake, Chloey, stop fussing with the children and help me decorate the place.

(Hands Chloe the floral strands, as BOYS set hamper dead C. where she kneels and takes out large white tablecloth, serviettes, silver, etc. The TWO BOYS go off D.R., returning immediately with table with drop-leaves...setting it R....opening leaves...while Pol' Maria gets tablecloth and puts in on table, the large cloth hanging clear to the ground on all sides. DIALOGUE continues without pause during all this business)

(Chuckling as she takes the FLORAL STRANDS)

  Ha ha ha! Ise dat happy seems like Ah cain't toon down.

(Laying things from basket for Pol'Maria to put on table)

  I don't blame you! I'm so happy, myself, I want to climb the flagstaff and shout, "MY BOY'S COMING HOME! UNCLE TOM'S COMING HOME! 'LIZA'S COMING HOME! EVERYBODY'S COMING HOME...AND ONCE MORE THIS PARADISE BELONGS TO US!" Ha, ha, ha!

(Then, with sniff, childishly)

  Chloey?

  Yaas, Mis' Emily?

  I...I...I think...

(Touches finger to tear...looks at it)

yes, I know I'm going to cry!

(Turns face up to Chloe childishly, to have tears wiped away)

(Touching her immaculate apron to the tearful eyes)

  Be brave, honey...dis is mah apurm! (apron)

  There! That's the last tear! With our loved ones in our arms we'll soon forget this half-year of heartache.

  HALF-YEAH? Glory be! Dat de fust time Ah ebbah knowed a half-yeah to stretch hisself into ten whole ones.

(Serviettes in hand...staring smilingly before her)

  Can't you see them, mammy, come trooping in? Sonny first, with the deed for the plantation in his hand...

(Staring at same obscure point as her mistress)

  Den Pappy Tom...

  Then 'Liza...

  Den Geegee...

(Now laughing up at Chloe)

  Then li'l Harry bringin' up the parade!

(Both laugh gaily)

(Then Mrs. Shelby glances down at her black dress and, looking up at Chloe, inquires softly)

  Chloey?

  Yaas, Mis' Emily?

  This black dress. Would it be disrepectful...you think...if I laid it away...just for tonight?

  Disrespectable? Humph! Ah t'ink it disrespectable if yo' don't leave off it.

  Oh, yo' darlin'!

(Hugs Mammy's skirt)

(With cocky shake of head)

  Put on a sassy frock, honey...

(Girlishly)

  My beautifulest!

(Excitedly)

  Wiff pearls in yo' froat...an' a crown on yo' haid...

(Then pantomiming the bejewelled stomacher)

an' a stummickache full ob di'monds...Oh, MAN! Haw...haw...haw!!! Put 'em all on, honeylam'.

  I'll do it! I'll wear everything but the andirons! Ha-ha-ha!

.....A whip cracks off D.R......

(INSTANTLY their laughter ceases).....

(Loud whisper)

  LEGREE!

(And BOYS and Pol'Maria fly to cover, concealing themselves under the table with its long white cloth)

  WHOA!

(As Mrs. Shelby looks up at her, frightened)

  What dat whipcracker doin' roun' heah?

(Calling)

  Mrs. Shelby?

(Getting to feet instantly)

  MARIETTE!

(Enter Mariette D.R. in traveling things)

  My darlin'!

  My dear!

(Rush into each other's arms)

(CHILDREN stick grinning faces out from under table, making a funny picture against the white cloth)

  But why didn't you come with Sonny...in the carriage?

  Sonny doesn't know I'm here.

  Doesn't know you're here? Didn't you come on the boat?

  Yes, but I stayed under cover...and never left my stateroom.

  What for, in heaven's name?

  Well...the...the fact is, Mrs. Shelby...our engagement's off. That is his is.. .mine isn't.

  Indeed? Well, it can get right back on! He loves you...you love him...I don't intend any lover's quarrel to spoil his life!

(Entering D.R., whip in one hand...Mariette's bag in other)

  Good eb'nin', Mis' Shelby.

(CHILDREN'S smiles turn to fear...roll eyes fearsomely in his direction WITHOUT TURNING THEIR HEADS, then slowly draw from sight)

(With indifferent glance)

  Oh. Good evenin', Legree. And goodnight.

(Places arm about Mariette's waist, and starts D.L.)

  Obadiah?

  Y...m...y...yaas'm?

(Legree scowls and glances at table)

  Bring Miss Mariette's luggage.

(Slowly creeping out on all fours from table)

  Y...y...yaas'm?

(Pauses and rolls eyes in Legree's direction)

(Legree cracks whip and Obadiah darts back like a shot)

  Jes' a minnit, if yo' don't mind.

  But I do mind...I'm in a hurry.

  But dis am bizness.

(Take one heavy step and we see six pairs of black legs kick up from under table as if they had simply upset with fear...Legree sees this and cracks whip...legs disappear)

(Proudly)

  Southe'n ladies don't discuss business, sir...my son's the manager of my plantation.

  YO' plantation?

(Another heavy footstep causes a great BULGE all around table...as if the circle had widened with fear)

  De Cap'n done tol' me de owneh (owner) was abo'd...wid a pahty...to close de place...an' wiff niggahs to sell!

(CHILDREN fall clear out on their tummies, and then gather themselves back under cover instantly)

(Annoyed...and haughtily)

  Certainly the owner's aboard...he's my son...but we're not closing the place...AND WE DON'T SELL OUR PEOPLE.

(GRINNING faces peep out at this statement)

.....HE CRACKS WHIP.....

(INSTANTLY the SCARED faces vanish)

  Wall, Ah calki'lated Ah'd buy...

  Then you "calki'lated" wrong. So do us the favor to...

(CHILDREN'S GRINNING FACES again peep out, they shake heads cockily...show several rows of teeth...and roll eyes comically)

crack your whip and withdraw. I'm giving an "At Home" for my immediate family tonight...

(Scowling and cracking whip)

  HELL!

(Children's faces vanish)

(Strides heavily off D.R.)

(FACES appear...they thumb their noses in his direction, then all roll out like so many bundles and SIT UP IN UNISON)

  Ha...ha...ha...ha!!!!!!

(On chair at L. winding the floral strandy around the arbor-arch effectively)

  Haw...haw...haw! Yo' suttinly done sent dat white trash to his corner, Miss Em'ly.

(Standing and takes basket off U.L.)

  Yes, and if I wasn't a Southern lady, I'd "done sent" him to a hotter place than that!

(Laughter)

  Well, we No'the'n ladies would do it anyhow...and give him a push, into the bargain.

(They laugh)

  Come along, dear...Obadiah, fetch Miss Mariette's luggage.

  Yaas'm?

(Lazily goes for it...lifts it...and lugs it cumbersomely across stage and off D.L.)

  Suppose I wait for Sonny.

  Do. And hold him a bit while I change my frock.

  Hold him? I'll chain him!

  You're a devil, No'the'n girl!

  You're an angel, Southe'n lady!

  Not yet!

(Exit Mrs. Shelby just as a man is seen coming through the cottonfields U.C.)

(Enter GEORGE U.C., a negro lad carrying his bag)

(Stopping short and seeing Mariette with back to him)

  MARIETTE! Is it or isn't it?

(Whirling and facing him)

  It "is it."

(Waves boy off...he exits U.L. as George strides down and seizes Mariette's hands)

  Have you dropped from heaven?

  No, just shot up from the other place.

(Leans forward and smiles up at him, still holding his hands)

  Sorry?

  Sorry? I'm delighted...only...

(Turns away, soberly)

  Only what?

(Nervously...under great strain)

  Only I'm nearly crazy. St. Clare's on the boat with Tom and 'Liza and a gay party...ready to take posession and put mother out the very day the six months are up. Now do you wonder I'm nearly out of my mind?

  He wouldn't do that?

  He would. And he will. You'll see. Oh, I could kill the beast!

  And I. Let's both kill him, and throw him to the dogs.

  I've too much respect for the dogs. Who would believe the elegant...fastidious...popular Augustine St. Clare could be such a blackguard, and out of pure revenge.

  Revenge? Revenge on whom?

  On mother.

  Your mother? But why in the name of...

  She declined his hand twenty-five years ago and he's never forgiven the hurt to his pride...not his heart...he's devoid of that organ.

  Oh, Georgeum! I scent a romance!

(Sniffs the air)

  Well, you can just UN-scent it. Mother loathes him. And he loathes her. But it's no reason she should be kicked out of her house like a dog!

  He shan't kick her out. I'll burn the place down first.

  Oh, it's not the loss of the home that's worrying me...it's breaking the truth to her. Oh, why was I such an ass as to write her I'd won before I was sure? Now when I tell her I've lost...and her people aren't hers...God! What can I say? You're a woman. How would you go about it?

  I wouldn't go!

  Wouldn't go?

  No...for no matter how many fine speeches you cook up, you never say them...the other fellow never gives the right cue. So take my advice and let the moment take care of itself!

  In other words, "Don't chase trouble...let trouble do the chasing after you"?

  Exactly! And there's one chance in a hundred you may even dodge it. So why put your neck in the noose? Let the hangman do it.

  Well, here's hoping for one chance! Thank you for you suggestion, No'the'n girl.

(He seizes her two hands)

  Thanks nothing! I charge for my expert advice, Southern boy!

(Leans forward...lips pursed for kiss...he smiles and barely touches his lips to hers)

  Accepted! Now here's my receipt!

(And gives him hug and big kiss.)

.....NUMBER 2.....

"When Trouble Comes A-troublin'"

(Mariette and George)

.....DANCE.....

.....NUMBER OVER.....

(Enter Mrs. Shelby U.L., beautifully gowned in evening-frock. She wears jewels in hair and at throat...and a priceless lace scarf flutters over her arms. Chloe follows with decorative props)

  Hurry, Chloey!

(Hurries C.)

(Staring at the radiant vision, unable to believe his eyes)

  MOTHER!

(Stopping short)

  SONNY!

(They rush together...mad embrace, C.)

.....

(CHLOE resumes decorations in archway L., placing a high chair just inside and a footstool...and concealing all this with a beautiful velvet cover)

.....

  Oh, how wonderful to have you back, Sonny mine...let me look at you!

(Holds him at arm's length)

  Ah...my little boy's all "drowed up!"

  And my little mother's growed down! Why, you're perfectly radiant, dear.

  That's because I'm perfectly happy...just having my Sonny in my arms.

(Nestles close)

(Gently...caressing her)

  You mean that, mother?

  Don't I look it?

(Gives him another hug)

  Then if I don't give you the deed for the plantation you'll not feel hurt?

(Takes out the legal letter seen in Act 2)

  HURT? Don't you dare show me any awful "whereases" or "parties of the first part!" I'll tear them up! How's the table?

(Turns to table and changes things about)

  I'm mighty glad you feel like that, for I've a frightful confession to make, mother mine.

  Then make it to the priest tomorrow. I'm busy! Where's the cake?

(After hopeless gesture to Mariette who merely smiles)

  Mother dear, you must listen to me.

(Follows after her as she darts here and there, beautifying things, and holding the legal-letter toward her)

(Pausing and looking at him)

  "MUST"?

(Then to Marie)

  Hear him order me about, will you? That's what horrid "business" has done to my chee...ild!

  But, mother darling...

(Follows her again, letter held out. Mariette giggles)

  Even Mariette's laughing at you.

  But, mother, this mortgage of father's...

  "be damned," as Mariette would say. Your father never saw fit to worry me with mortgages, why should you? We Southe'n women...

(Mariette laughs again)

  Stop laughing at her, Mariette...it only makes it harder for me!

  I can't help it...you're so funny! Ha-ha-ha!!!

(Mrs. Shelby laughs gaily with her)

  Well, I don't feel funny. I can tell you!

(Kicks the turf)

(Mimics laugh)

  Ha-ha-ha! No, but you if you could see yourself!

  You should, darling. In those clothes at this hour you ought to laugh yourself to death! Put on your dinner-things like the true Southe'n gentleman you are.

  Good Lord! She talks of "dinner things"...and me here sweating blood!

  Heavens! Chloey, tell Jackson to draw his young master's bath.

  It' drawed, Miss Em'ly.

  No! I'm not his young master!

  Then his old master! Mah goodness! I'll be callin' him "grandfather" soon.

(Severely)

  Listen to me, mother.

(Drolly)

  Yes, grandpapa?

(Mariette laughs)

(Severely)

  Stop it, Mariette!

(Mariette ceases instantly, by closing hand over her mouth, but still amused)

  What a brute! If he shouts at your that way before marriage, what can you expect after?

  Now see here, mother...

(Slaps letter against his hand)

(Hands on his shoulders)

  See here, yourself, son. I know you're a very great, impo'tant personage, but nevertheless you must do the honors as host, you know.

  But I'm not host. That's just it.

(Turning away)

  Then, whatever you are, old Bluebeard, go dress! You could never impress me looking like that no matter how loud you shouted.

  Yo' cloteses all laid out, Marse Gawge.

(Glaring)

  "Oh, HELL", I would say if I were a No'the'n man!

(Glares at Mariette)

  Ah! Now you're speaking my language!

  Isn't he funny? Ha-ha-ha!

  Indeed? Well, then, read that...

(Hurls paper down before his mother)

and maybe I won't seem quite so funny!

(Stuffs hands in pockets and strides off D.L.)

(Ladies laugh!!!)

  B...r...r!

(Ladies laugh at this nonsense)

  Oh, deah me...I knew horrid business would ruin mah baby!

(Tosses paper aside)

  Aren't you going to read it?

  READ it? I didn't know they were supposed to be read...I thought they were just to be kept in safety vaults.

(Takes it from envelope and turns two or three legal pages)

  Look at it, will you? Why couldn't they just say, "PLANTATION AND SLAVES RETURNED TO MRS. SHELBY" instead of all this heretoforeing and aforesaiding over five perfectly good white pages? Take it and lose it for me, Chloey.

(Tosses it to her)

  Yaas, Miss Em'ly!

(Takes same and stuffs it in her stocking)

(Adding the last touch)

  There! Isn't the place beautiful for our party?

  Charming. And since everybody else's getting into party-togs, I think I'll poke my head into my portmanteau!

  Oh, you darlin'! Chloey, tell Cassy to lay out Miss Mariette's dinnergown.

  It' done laid out, Miss Em'ly.

  Pol'Maria, take Miss Mariette to the house.

  Yaas'm.

(Shambles D.L.)

  Well--Au revoir, Southe'n lady.

(Waves and follows Pol'Maria)

  Au revoir, No'the'n girl!

(They laugh. Mariette exits after Pol')

  Now for the big doings. I'm in your hands, Chloey.

  Sit undah de arch, Miss Em'ly, like a reg'lah queens!

(Indicates decorated arch, with erected throne)

(Not looking yet at "throne")

  QUEEN? It's more like my comingout party. Tell me...do I look as young as I feel, Chloey?

  Younger. Yo' looks pussac'ly like a unbo'n lamb!

(Indicates throne)

  Now up-see-daisy!

(Startled at the "throne")

  Heavens! Do I have to mount that?

  Yaas, Mis' Em'ly.

(Assists her up)

(Laughing at her foolishness)

  I hope no one outside the immediate family sees me...they'll think I've gone out of my mind.

(ENTER two little picks with peacock fans D.L.)

  Heah we is, Mammy.

(Clapping hands together)

  Ah knowed Ah had mo' youngn's somewhah.

(Lifts one to high covered stool at QUEEN'S R.)

  Stan' up heah, chilluns...an' keep de skeeters off de queen.

(Lifts second child up to stool at Queen's L.)

(Smashing a mosquito with her little fan)

  Do! I'll be eaten up if the performance doesn't soon begin.

(CHILDREN fan her comically)

(Standing off and viewing the picture)

  Haw...haw...haw! Yo' know what' yo' looks like, settin' dere, Miss Em'ly?

  Well, if I look anything like I feel, and had two horns and a tail--

  Like MOSES IN DE BULLRUSHES! Haw...haw...haw!

(Mrs. Shelby joins in laugh)

(Running in U.R.)

  De barouche comin' in sight, Mammy.

  BAROUCHES? Lawdee! What dem chillunses?

(Calls)

  Oh, chillunses?

  Yaas'm!

(Rush in from all directions, very neat and tidy)

  Yo' pappy home, so line up, yo'all, in reg'lah ordeh, so he'll know which is whiches!

  Yaas'm!

(Fussily get into line, pushing and forcing, eager to be in the right spot...Mammy assisting to line them up according to size)

(Pouting)

  Ise older as Zachariah...I orter be firster.

  Orter you? Den why don't yo' eat yo' crust-es an' grow up to yo' size?

(Trouble in line...she shakes Oby)

  Stop dat mischeef, Obadiah...take yo' cap off, Zachariah...

(He obeys)

  Wipe yo' mouf' off, Mordecai...

(He obeys)

(She places apron to a nose)

  Blow, Amariah...

(She or he obeys)

.....

(FAR OFF U.C. TOM'S VOICE heard singing

.....REPRISE OF "MOON AM SHININ'.".....

  TOM!

  Uncle Tom!

  PAPPY!

(Children tear off U.C. and dart into cottonfield shouting "Pappy's home!" "Pappy's home!" "Pappy's home!")

REPRISE.....

(They listen and remain perfectly still...then CHLOE softly begins to harmonize with him. Presently TOM, with one child on his back...one holding each hand...and others holding to his coat tails and others clustering about him, is seen coming through the cotton fields, U.C., finishing song just as he enters U.C.)

(Arms out)

  TOM!

  Chloey!

(And they rush into each other's arms)

  De Lawd done bring yo' back to Paradise!

  Yaas...back to de cotton fields of ole Kentuck'.

(Mrs. Shelby clears throat)

(Glancing up quickly, throws up hands)

  Mis' EM'LY! Ah thote you' was a wax figger!

(Takes her outstretched hand and impresses a kiss on it)

  Dear Uncle Tom, welcome...thrice welcome home!

(Sadly)

  But only to leab yo' again, Ah fears.

  [illegible]

  Hab'n't Marse Gawge done tell yo'?

  Marse Gawge "done tell us nuffin'!" I wouldn't let him talk horrid business.

(Chloe weeps and dries eyes on corner of apron)

  Stop crying, Chloey...that's yo' last clean apron mind!

(U.R.)

  Heah's 'Liza!

(Enter Liza running U.R.)

  Mis' Shelby! Mis' Shelby!

(Runs to her)

  Darling Liza!

(Embrace...Liza weeps and they rock back and forth)

  Think of having my faithful Liza home once mo'!

(Tom and Chloe, arms around each other, stroll U.R., followed by their numerous progeny)

(Drying eyes)

  But only to leaves yo' again, Ah fears.

  What? You, too, Brutus?

  Heah's Geegee! Heah's Geegee!

(Enter Geegee running U.R.)

  Mis' Shelby! Mis' Shelby!

(He rushes to her, drops on knees and kisses her extended hand)

(Laying other hand on his bowed head)

  DEAR Geegee! More than welcome home!

(Sadly...rising wearily)

  But only to leab' yo' again, Ah fears!

  No! You're not going to leave me...no matter what fine trip that lawyer-boss of mine has planned for you! Tomorrow I'll remind that old Father Time that I'm the mistress of this plantation...I'm too happy tonight to lay him across my knee.

  Heah's Harry! Heah's Harry!

(Enter Harry on shoulder of tall negro, laughing and holding out his arms. Geegee and Liza drop R.)

(Arms out to her)

  Mis' Shelby! Mis' Shelby!

  HARRY!

(He is rushed to her and she embraces him fondly)

  MY little Harry!

  No, not little Harry! Big Harry! No, Ise a big boy now an' can spell C...A...T.., dog! R...A...T, mouse...D...O...G...pup...an' got two pockets in mah pants. See? Like a man's.

(Proudly exhibits same as he wriggles down)

  Marvelous! Well, thank heaven yo're not threatening to leave, anyway.

  Yaas'm...Ise gwine to be Marse Legree's slave-boy, an' crack whips!

(Pompously strolls D.R.)

  Oh, indeed? Well, we'll see about that!

(U.R.)

  Sh! White folks!

  White folk?

(Now the city butler, announcing U.R.)

  Miss Opheely...Mistah Marks!

(Negro boys draw back solemnly)

  Oh, dear! What are they here fo'?

(Marks and Ophelia enter, arm in arm, grandly and approach Mrs. Shelby)

(Stopping short and staring at the gaily-lighted garden-nook)

  Chaw me up inter sausagemeat...

(Severly)

  EurasMUS!

(Jerks his arms)

(With angry gesture)

  Durned if I didn't forget. 'Scuze me, Opheely...

(She drags him toward the "throne")

  Welcome, my friends...

(Steps down and extends hands to each)

(Taking slim white hand)

  Thank you, Mrs. Shelby.

  My son wrote me of your services in my behalf, Mistah Marks, and I take this opportunity of thanking you.

  Yes...well, here's his legal paper he run off and forgot, the hot-headed little--

(Hands her same)

(Nudging him)

  Euras-mus!

(Taking it gingerly, as if lifting it with tongs)

  Deah me...yo' lawyer men are full of legal papers. Will you sit down or stroll about in the garden till my son returns?

  We'll stroll about in the garden if you don't mind...it's darker there.

(Beaming)

  Opheely!

  I mean quieter...

(Marks laughs...others join in...she jerks his arm petulantly)

  Oh, you do get me so flustered!

(Ophelia hustles Marks off D.R.)

(Topsy's haw...haw...haw off UpR.)

  TOPSY!

(BOYS pop up and down and shout with laughter. Mrs. Shelby throws up hopeless hands and leans back against throne-back...Chloe grumbles)

  Sic 'em, boys!

(Instantly picolos are heard playing, "I'm going back to Dixie, hooray! hooray!", and enter first TWO or FOUR picolo-players--little negro boys single file marching proudly followed by six other lads harnessed together with the bolt of RED RIBBON of Act 2, and drawing a wheelbarrow in which, seated high on a bale of cotton, is TOPSY, wearing a "bandeau" of gold paper, sticking up in which are numerous gay-colored chicken-feathers...short, soiled WHITE COTTON GLOVES...brass curtain chains and rings hanging and jingling on her neck...the animal TIPPET of Act 2, in her arms for a "pet", with a bow of ribbon about its neck, and carrying the INEVITABLE TINY PARASOL. The "parade" enters U.R....comes D.R....makes turn...and proceeds to the throne, TOPSY wobbling bravely trying to keep from upsetting, and balancing herself by leaning to one side, then to the other, all the while bowing and smiling. When the corner D.R. is reached she comes perilously near to upsetting but managed to keep upright, only to take a tumble with a "WOW" just as she arrives at the throne, causing the "chariot" horses to break loose and flee her wrath.)

(Sprawling flat, parasol still clutched in hand)

  Haw...haw...haw!!!

(Sits up on hands and calls to fleeing team)

  Hey! Stop dat chariot-race! Yo' ain't gwine to a fire!

(Laughter and excitement from children and boys who rush down and around to get a good view of the fallen one, yet keeping at a safe distance)

(She rubs her hip as she sits up, on ground, facing front)

  LawDEE! Ah done busted somepin'!

  Dear me, what?

(With grin)

  Mah bustle!

(Gets up, disclosing an oldfashioned WOMAN'S DRESS she has purloined from the St. Clare closet, with long tight-boned waist...decollete square neck in front, high at back, elbow-sleeves; tight, narrow skirt with "nipped" dancing slit at rear...a short draped overskirt...AND A HUGE BUSTLE)

(Staring at the get up)

  Ha-ha-ha!!!

(Topsy joins in the laughter...at same time glancing behind her as she turns back to audience, draws SPLIT SKIRT apart, disclosing her wire-apparatus laid open to view, a pair of striped legs, and a pair of white "panties" coming down below knees...BOYS impishly pop lower D.R., and point and howl with laughter at sight of her disclosed rear. She doesn't notice this impertinence at first...then suddenly scowls and quickly manipulates the BACK of dress to the FRONT, makes face at boys and says "Booh!" Then, gazing down at slit)

  Golly Ned! I'se done broke in two!

(Stares down at the split affair...BOYS find the FRONT view quite as funny as the BACK and again point derisive fingers, but Topsy merely makes a face and sticks out her tongue at them, and quickly switches the disrupted back to its rightful location.)

  Who is this? The Queen of Sheba?

  No' ma'am--Bah!

(Then kicking her train out of the way, she picks up parasol, fans herself and "animal" fussily with little fan attached to long narrow ribbon at side--airily sings--to banjo accompaniment)

  Heah's Miss Sheba, honey.

(Runnin' U.R. and seeing Eva coming)

  Oh, mammy! Heah's dat sho'nuff angel what tote pappy off to hebben once!

  Hush, chile!

(Rushing in)

  Topsy! Topsy!

(She doesn't see Topsy on ground, the parasol somewhat hiding her head, so she stops short slightly U.R.C. and stares, entranced, at the fairy-princess on the throne. Eva is exquisitely dressed in daintiest frock, and coat and carries an old-fashioned bouquet with a paper-holder, in her hand. ALL stare, open-mouthed, at this vision of loveliness. TOPSY is unmindful of her arrival, so busy is she tying up her sore toe)

(Stepping from her "throne" to ground and holding out her arms to the child)

  YOU DARLING, are you real or is this a princess just stepped out of a fairytale?

(Beaming upon her and curtseying)

  I'm real, your Highness. You're the beautiful princess out of a fairytale.

(Strolls toward Mrs. Shelby)

  Come to my arms, you precious!

(Embraces her)

  I've brought you some flowers, Your Highness.

(Curtseys as she presents bouquet)

  Forgetmenots! Did my fairy godmother tell you I loved forgetmenots?

(Cutseying)

  Oh, no, beautiful princess, my papa told me.

  Indeed? And who may your papa be, little one? Mr. Marks?

  Haw-haw-haw-haw! Mistah MARKS, Mis' Shifless's's pappy! Miss Eba's pappy is--

(U.R....announcing in his best butler-manner)

  Mistah Augustine St. Clare!

  Oh, papa! papa!

(Runs to him as he crosses to L. Mrs. Shelby murmers the name, "AUGUSTINE!" and clutches chair-arms as she sits back in her throne)

  This must be Fairyland...and here's the beautiful princess!

(Leads him to throne)

  Kneel, papa, and kiss Her Highness's beautiful hands

(Mrs. Shelby puts out her jewelled hand, and he kneels and lifts it to his lips)

  This is my papa, dear princess...he sent you the forgetmenots!

(Rising)

  EVA!!! Go to Topsy!

(Turns to her reprovingly.)

  Sho! Come heah, honey, Ah'll take you up to Uncle Tom's cabin.

  Oh, goody, goody, goody!!!

(Throws her arms around Topsy wildly)

  Don't mash me, chile...Ise all full ob jool'ry! Come along, niggahs!

(Hoist parasol--kicks train...both exit D.R.)

(Tom and Chloe are U.R.--Geegee and 'Liza, R.--and Harry and all boys and picks follow Topsy and Eva)

  This is an unexpected meeting, Mr. St. Clare.

  And I fear, an unwelcome one!

(Coldly)

  Not at all. Will you be seated?

(Bowing)

  I thank you! But first may I present our guests? Mariette's friends?

  Certainly, any friends of MARIETTE are more than welcome!

(St. Clare turns U.R. to beckon guests)

(Pointing off U.R.)

  Oh, Mammy, heah come a whole flock ob white angels!

  Hust, chile!

(St. Clare indicates to the girls to enter--enter smilingly and speedily THE YOUNG people OF MARIETTE'S PARTY of act 2)

  Princesse...some charming young people of New Orleans!

(Girls curtsey low)

(Bowing)

  Welcome, my children...Mariette will be with you in a moment.

(Enter Mariette D.L., now in charming white dinner gown)

  Mariette!

  My dears!

(Rushes to them...embraces...remaining R. and chatting softly)

(Tom and Chloe stroll, arm-in-arm, off U.R.)

('Liza and Geegee stroll, arm-in-arm, off R.)

(Mrs. Shelby and St. Clare are now alone on stage)

(Coldly to St. Clare)

  Will you sit down, Mr. St. Clare? My son will be here presently!

(Enter GEORGE D.L., now in dinner-clothes. He stops upon seeing St. Clare bowing to his mother who, he thinks, has no right to receive him)

(Bowing)

  I thank you.

  Why, MOTHER!!!

(Then, glaring at St. Clare, comes toward him)

  Sir, your presence here is an unwarrantable intrusion.

(Shocked, rises)

  SONNY! How dare you be rude to a guest in your home?

  And I'm sorry you arrived before I've had a chance to explain the situation to my mother.

(Glancing about her chair)

  Situation? Oh, dear. That horrid paper. Where is it, Chloey? Oh, here's Mr. Marks'--(Takes letter from her side) I reckon they're all alike.

(Not wanting a Scene before St. Clare)

  Please. Not here, mother.

(Then to St. Clare)

  Sir, since you and your friends have thrust yourselves, uninvited, to our little party, my mother and I shall withdraw. Come, mother.

  Sonny! No matter what your feeling toward Mr. St. Clare may be, no Southern gentleman ever insults a guest in his own home.

  But I tell you he's not my guest...and this isn't our home. It's his home...

  Why, no, it isn't...

(Indicating open legal paper)

it says here..."Augustine St. Clare, party of the first part, and Emily Shelby, party of the second part." And everybody knows the party of the second part's the owner, now isn't he? Or is he? You're almost a lawyer...you see, dear.

(Declining to look)

  I don't need to see. I know.

(As Mariette and girls stroll in R. laughing and chatting)

  Here's Mariette. She'll know. Nothern girls know everything. Oh...ah...Mariette dear?

  Yes, Mrs. Shelby?

  If your friends will excuse you for a moment...

  Certainly. Go see the cabins, girls. They're adorable. I'll be with you directly.

  Certainly, dear.

  Run along.

  I'd love to see the cabins.

  Oh, heavenly!

(Exit girls R....Mariette hurries L.)

  Mariette, am I the owner of my own property or aren't I?

(Indicates place as Mariette gazes at paper)

  There...after that pretty red "WHEREAS."

  Why, certainly you're the owner...Look, Georgum! Augustine's deeded it back to her.

(Shows him paper...but he only glares)

  No! She shan't accept it!

(Snatches paper)

  She's not a beggar, sir!

(Thrusts paper over to St. Clare)

(Not accepting it)

  Neither am I a thief. The trifle I paid for it isn't one-tenth of its value...you may pay that sum back to me at our convenience.

  I'm a Southern gentleman and won't take it, sir!

(Rushes paper on tabourette, toward St. Clare)

  And I'm a Southern gentleman and won't keep it!

(Pushes paper across tabourette toward George)

(Snatching it up)

  Oh, blah! Why don't you use No'the'n methods and grab anything that comes your way? Wait! I'll settle it!

(Offers paper to George quoting foolishly)

  "Will the gentleman from Kentucky...

(Folding arms and turning away)

  It's not mine!

(Offering paper to St. Clare)

  Then the gentleman from New Orleans?

(Folding arms and turning away)

  It's not mine!

  My God! It's NOBODY'S!

(Enter Topsy and Eva, arm-in-arm D.R., parasol raised, even at night)

.....

(Mariette tosses deed away and it falls near Topsy)

  Den it's mine. ISE NOBODY! Dat's me!

(Snatches it up and shows it to Eva)

  Look, Missy. Ise done fall heir to a plantashum!

  Oh, goody! goody! goody!

(Hugs Topsy)

  Come on an' put ebbahbody off my grasses!

  Yes...let's!

  Haw...haw...haw!!!

(And, both laughing, they romp off crying "Shoo! Shoo!")

(TOM and Chloe stroll in U.R....Liza and Geegee at R.)

  I have it...let's throw for it.

(Pantos shaking dice)

  But I don't want it!

  And I won't accept it.

(Stepping down)

  Well, I'll accept it. Now let's eat.

(Starts R.)

  No. It isn't ethical. The Judge rules against us.

  Pouf! What does a Judge know about law? Mariette's far more up to date. Bring the cake, Tom.

  Yaas, Miss Shelby!

(Exits U.L.)

  But mother...

  The candies, Liza.

  Yes, Mis' Shelby!

(Exits U.L.)

  Please listen, mother!

  The juleps, Geegee!

  Yes, Mrs. Shelby.

(Exits U.L.)

  Oh, Sonny, you're almost a lawyer or something.

(Again squeezes his arm)

  Or something!

  You mean poor Sonny must work?

  And hard! Immediately after the honeymoon.

  Honeymoon? Whose honeymoon?

  Your honeymoon. Marks and Ophelia are at the house now getting ready.

  Marks and Ophelia getting ready for my honeymoon?

(Hand to head hazedly)

  My God! Am I dreaming this or have I suddenly gone mad?

(Hand to head)

  Trustee...honeymoon...you'll be electing me president next!

(Then starting off D.L.)

  I'm going to get out of this place before somebody claps me into a padded cell!

  I'll go with you. Wait, Trustee-er, wait!

(Exit George and Mariette D.L.)

  Well, party of the second part?

(Soberly)

  Augustine, why have you done this?

  For two reasons. First...shall we say...because I'm a Southern gentleman.

  And I snubbed you.

  Yes, and I was glad for that angry toss of your head showed me that you hadn't forgotten.

  No...I hadn't forgotten.

  THEN...when Marks told me your son was going to fight...I led him on. As Mariette's guardian I wanted to find out if he had anything more to his credit than just his Southern pride.

  And he didn't disappoint you?

  Disappoint me? He almost WON from me, the rascal! Ha-ha-ha!!! He dug out law-points even Marks himself never heard of. And Judge Wells wants him in his office!

  Office? Poor Sonny!

.....Churchbells ring.....

  Ah, the minister's ready.

  Ready for what?

  For a triple wedding. George and Mariette...Marks and Ophelia. I arranged everything with the reverend gentleman on the boat.

  Is there any little thing you didn't arrange?

  Yes, one...

  What?

  To say to the party of the 2nd part, if she loves the party of the first part, half as much as the party of the first part loves the party of the second part.

  Show me the dotted line!

  You darling...

(Kiss)

Signed...sealed...

(Topsy's "haw...haw...haw off D.R.)

Witnessed!

(Rush off D.L.)

(Enter Topsy and Eva D.R. just in time to see the end of Scene. Eva laughs...and Topsy goes through her inventory of crossed eyes, her dazed wobble, etc.)

  Oh, goody, goody, goody! Papa's going to marry the princess and we'll live happy in this fairyland forever after.

  Humph! Ebbahbuddy gettin' mahried seemlike...dat a sho' sign ob war.

(Mimicking the lovers)

  You darling!

(Then laughs and kicks herself)

(Delighted with this new side)

  Why, MISSY, Ah didn't know yo' could ack rough!

  Can I, Topsy? Oh, Topsy, I'd rather act rough like you than anything in the world!

  No!

(Funny little movement of the hand)

  YES!

(Mimics Topsy's business)

(Delighted)

  Why, yo' li'l debbil! Den right heah's whah Ah stahts yo' on a swif' decline!

.....COMEDY DANCE.....

.....During dance Eva kicks Topsy.....

  Dat's me!!!

  Now we're [illegible]!

.....Music off.....

(Enter Uncle, running D.L.)

  Quick, Miss Eva! Yo'm me's to be de audi-entz an' watch de pa-rade!

  Oh, goody! goody! goody!

(Pops up and down, and scrambles to back at extreme D.L. with Uncle Tom, and takes rice)

  Pa-rade? Nobuddy done tole me 'bout no pa-rade.

(Music increases. She grows excited...)

  What is it, man--

(He opens mouth to speak)

(She can't wait--grabs him)

  Tell me! Don't talk! Point!

(He points D.L. and with a leap in air, pulls her train between her legs in front and dashes D.)

(About to start after her)

  Wait, Topsy...wait!

(Poking head in D.L.)

  Ah'll be back, li'l Missy! Ah'll be back!

(Runs off as

.....MUSIC STARTS UP OFF D.L......

and Eva blinks back her tears as she gazes longingly off, after her adored playmate)

  Come, Missy, we'll watch for Topsy among de pa-rad-ers.

  Oh, goody, goody, goody!

(Climbs up beside him on bench D.R.)

.....MUSIC INCREASES.....

  Enter FIRST...the banjoeists,

  2h...St. Clare and Mrs. Shelby. She wears same gown of Act 3 but with enveloping veil and carries EVA'S bouquet.

  3...BRIDESMAIDS...

  4...Little HARRY in white satin carrying a pillow with ring.

  5...Mariette and George in magnificent wedding-apparel. Two little children are trainbearers...and everything is of white satin and lace.

  6...BANJOES, having circled stage now re-appear, followed by...

  OPHELIA and MARKS in weird wedding costume...long train of Vermont [illegible]...and the trainbearer is TOPSY, with a wild headdress of feathers...she cakewalks coonshouts and drops train...steps on it and makes other faux pas as she lumbers around curiously

.....Exit Wedding.....

  EVA applauds TOPSY wildly...and TOPSY cuts up all kinds of monkeyshines for Eva's edification.

  .....PARADE OVER.....TOPSY bumps into tree at final exit, and finally gets off without killing anyone, after losing a shoe and dropping train to recover it, then chasing back to train.

(Trying to wriggle out of Uncle Tom's arms)

  Oh, Topsy...wait!

(Calling back)

  Can't, Missy--Mis' Shif'les' pappy get away!

(The train gives a quick jerk)

  Whoa!!!

(Topsy sprawls flat, but gets up and catches train)

(Exit)

  I want to go with Topsy!

(Stopping him)

  No, li'l Missy...yo' pappy say yo' mus' stay wiff ole Uncle Tom!

(Tearfully)

(Gets down and peers off D.R.)

  No! I want Topsy! I want Topsy! I want Topsy!

  Please, Miss Eba...

(Kneels beside her)

(Turning around)

  Oh, Uncle Tom...she's gone!

(Yes to D.C., crying)

  Topsy's gone away with Aunt 'Feely...and my heart is breaked! Topsy's...going...away...Topsy's...going...going...gone!

(Drops in faint)

(Rushing C....kneeling and taking her in his arms)

  Li'l Missy! Li'l Missy! Don't skeer Uncle Tom, li'l Missy! Open yo' eyes! Come to! Don't die!

(Glances up with frightened face...but no one is in sight)

  Liza! Chloey! ANYbody! Come quick! Li'l Missy sho' done gwine ter die!

(Prays)

  Oh, Lo'd above...don't take li'l Missy! Take ole brack Tom instead! Oh, she's dead! She's dead!

.....From a distance comes the Reprise of "REMEMBERIN'".....He ceases speaking...peers into Eva's face...then as Reprise comes nearer, Eva's hands go out)

..........

  Ise comin', honey! Ise camin'! Ah hear yo' callin' me--Li'l Missy!

(Rushes in...and to Eva and takes her in her own arms)

  Oh, why did yo' faint, Missy? Ah cain't bring yo' to! Ah ax yo' not to faint! Don' die, Missy. What'll Topsy dooze, li'l Missy, widout no buddy to lub her?

(Makes passes but they don't bring results)

  Oh, Uncle Tom! Ah cain't bring her to...Ah done lost mah charm.

  Den pray, Topsy, pray!

(Topsy sits up on knees, raises hands, rolls eyes upward, and implores)

  Oh, Lo'd, don't take li'l Missy. Take Topsy if yo' hab' to take some buddy! Yo' got plenty white angels up dere...hab a brack one! An' she's de only pusson down heah what lub a niggah!

(Glances at Eva...sees she's still unconscious, so she thinks the Deity doesn't hear, and shouts louder!)

  GAWD! Don't yo' heah me? Stap hem harps up dere an' lissen to me, God! Yo' answer mah prayer, Gawd, an' Ah gibs yo' mah wud Ah won't lie no mo'...no cuss no mo'...no steal no mo'...

(Takes handful of stolen articles from the Ophelia bag hanging to her arm and without pause or glance tosses them out)

Nor powder no mo'--

(Tosses away powder-puff)

NUFFIN' NO MO'...an' Ah won't ax yo to make me as white as snow, Gawd. No--jes' a nice light snuff-cullah will do.

(Another glance...Eva still sleeps)

GAWD! SABE li'l Missy!^* Ah knows Ise only a niggah but Ah got a heart, Gawd...an' Miss Eba say Ah got a soul...an' if yo' don't want de debbil to get me away from yo', Gawd, ack quick! Yo' don't know what a prize yo' got ain me, Gawd. GAWD! SAVE LI'L MISSY! SABE HER fo' Topsy's sake. AMEN.

(Sitting up)

  TOPSY!

(Nearly keeling over)

  Li'l MISSY!

(Mad embrace)

(Hugging her tight)

  Ah sabe yo', chile...Ah done sabe yo', li'l Missy!

(Holding up something)

  Here's your assafetety bag!

  Throw it away...Ah don't need no charm! Ah done raise Miss Eba frum de deah widout NUFFIN'! ISE A MIRACLE WORKER, I IS! Haw...haw...haw!!! Ise a miracle-worker!

.....MUSIC.....

(Wedding-parties return...enter in same order as they left from D.R....and, singing happily, form semicircle around the TRIO on ground D.C.,

.....Uncle Tom, Topsy, and Eva.....

.....FINALE.....

CURTAIN.