_Emma springs to her feet and flings the curtains wide open. She
stands staring at the gay scene for a moment defiantly, then creeps
over to a seat along the wall and shrinks into the Spanish Moss,
motionless._
_Dance hall decorated with palmetto leaves and Spanish Moss--a flag or
two. Orchestra consists of guitar, mandolin, banjo, accordion, church
organ and drum._
MASTER (_on platform_). Couples take yo’ places! When de music starts,
gentlemen parade yo’ ladies once round de hall, den de walk begins.
(_The music begins. Four men come out from behind the platform bearing
a huge chocolate cake. The couples are “prancing” in their tracks. The
men lead off the procession with the cake--the contestants make a grand
slam around the hall._)
MASTER. Couples to de floor! Stan’ back, ladies an’ gentlemen--give ’em
plenty room.
(_Music changes to “Way Down in Georgia.” Orchestra sings. Effie takes
the arm that John offers her and they parade to the other end of the
hall. She takes her place. John goes back upstage to the platform,
takes off his silk hat in a graceful sweep as he bows deeply to Effie.
She lifts her skirts and curtsies to the floor. Both smile broadly.
They advance toward each other, meet midway, then, arm in arm, begin
to “strut.” John falters as he faces her, but recovers promptly and
is perfection in his style. (Seven to nine minutes to curtain.)
Fervor of spectators grows until all are taking part in some
way--either hand-clapping or singing the words. At curtain they have
reached frenzy._)
QUICK CURTAIN
[Illustration]
(_It stays down a few seconds to indicate ending of contest and goes up
again on John and Effie being declared winners by Judges._)
MASTER (_on platform, with John and Effie on the floor before him_).
By unanimous decision de cake goes to de couple from Jacksonville!
(_Great enthusiasm. The cake is set down in the center of the floor and
the winning couple parade around it arm in arm. John and Effie circle
the cake happily and triumphantly. The other contestants, and then
the entire assembly fall in behind and circle the cake, singing and
clapping. The festivities continue. The Jacksonville quartet step upon
the platform and sing a verse and chorus of “Daisies won’t tell.” Cries
of “Hurrah for Jacksonville! Glory for the big town,” “Hurrah for Big
Jack.”_)
A MAN (_seeing Emma_). You’re from Jacksonville, aint you? (_He whirls
her around and around._) Aint you happy? Whoopee! (_He releases her and
she drops upon a seat. She buries her face in the moss._)
(_Quartet begins on chorus again. People are departing, laughing,
humming, with quartet cheering. John, the cake, and Effie being borne
away in triumph._)
[Illustration]