I better stay.
But dont mind me.
I couldn’t a stayed in my business without learning to be deaf and dumb a long time before this.
And if I’d ever a had any curiosity, I’d have worn it out long ago in this house.
Here’s a chair.”
She turned, but Horace anticipated her and drew up two chairs.
He sat down beside the bed and, talking at the top of the unstirring ridge, he told her what he wanted.
“I just want to know what really happened.
You wont commit yourself.
I know that you didn’t do it.
I’ll promise before you tell me a thing that you wont have to testify in Court unless they are going to hang him without it.
I know how you feel. I wouldn’t bother you if the man’s life were not at stake.”
The ridge did not move.
“They’re going to hang him for something he never done,” Miss Reba said.
“And she wont have nuttin, nobody.
And you with diamonds, and her with that poor little kid.
You seen it, didn’t you?” The ridge did not move.
“I know how you feel,” Horace said.
“You can use a different name, wear clothes nobody will recognise you in, glasses.”
“They aint going to catch Popeye, honey,” Miss Reba said.
“Smart as he is.
You dont know his name, noway, and if you have to go and tell them in the court, I’ll send him word after you leave and he’ll go somewheres and send for you.
You and him dont want to stay here in Memphis.
The lawyer’ll take care of you and you wont have to tell nuttin you—” The ridge moved.
Temple flung the covers back and sat up.
Her head was tousled, her face puffed, two spots of rouge on her cheekbones and her mouth painted into a savage cupid’s bow.
She stared for an instant at Horace with black antagonism, then she looked away.
“I want a drink,” she said, pulling up the shoulder of her gown.
“Lie down,” Miss Reba said.
“You’ll catch cold.”
“I want another drink,” Temple said.
“Lie down and cover up your nekkidness, anyway,” Miss Reba said, rising.
“You already had three since supper.”
Temple dragged the gown up again.
She looked at Horace.
“You give me a drink, then.”
“Come on, honey,” Miss Reba said, trying to push her down.
“Lie down and get covered up and tell him about that business.
I’ll get you a drink in a minute.”
“Let me alone,” Temple said, writhing free.
Miss Reba drew the covers about her shoulders.
“Give me a cigarette, then.
Have you got one?” she asked Horace.
“I’ll get you one in a minute,” Miss Reba said.
“Will you do what he wants you to?”
“What?” Temple said.
She looked at Horace with her black, belligerent stare.
“You needn’t tell me where your—he—” Horace said.
“Dont think I’m afraid to tell,” Temple said.
“I’ll tell it anywhere.