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(LINA does not answer. Catches hold of him and searches his face. Picks up a fallen flower and signals him to bow his head. He does so and she thrusts it in his hat-band.)
SPUNK. What's the matter, honey? Look like you 'bout to cry. You really ought to be laughing. Old Hodge Bishop was so busy trying to get me onto that saw that he let a log fall on him. And when they moved it, there was the old conjure man pressed just as pretty as a flower. (they both laugh)
LINA (sniffing and tearing off into house) Come on in. I smell my supper burning! (she dashes inside)
RUBY (sidling up) I'm so glad you ain't hurt, Spunk, I had to go pick some flowers. Bet mama going to kill me 'bout her flowers. (smells roses and gets ready to offer them) Yes indeed, I'm real gald you ain't hurt.
SPUNK (laughs) Me, get hurt! Who going to hurt me? So long, Ruby
(He dashes in after LINA.)
(The guitar begins to sound gaily inside and RUBY tips to the window and peers in. They begin to sing EVALINA. After the first verse RUBY sings.)
Me with flowers in my hand and love and me apart
Flowers withered like the house stretching on to break of heart
Roses scorned and drooping low to die
Empty hours weeping, creeping as they pass me by.
(SPUNK and EVALINA sing)
I squat beside the way of life where highways meet and part
With wilted flowers in my hand and trouble in my heart
The flowers ungiven in my hands to die
And life unmingled on my heart to lie
(She walks slowly towards her stop. The flowers dropping one by one from her hand. She hums sadly an obligato over SPUNK and EVALINA'S song.)
(CURTAIN)
