Scene 24: Coalhouse Demands/What A Game

[LITTLE BOY] (sung) What’s excrescence?

Edgar, go to your room!

[LITTLE BOY] It was Coalhouse, wasn’t it?

I said, go to your room!

(sung) Listen to that Ragtime!

We are suffering a tragedy that should not have been ours. What in God’s name possessed you? You took that woman in without sufficient thought. And she brought Coalhouse into our lives. You have victimized us all with your foolish female sentimentality.

[YOUNGER BROTHER] Are you going out to find him and shoot him?

I’m protecting my home. If Mr. Walker makes the mistake of coming to my door, I will deal with him.

[YOUNGER BROTHER] We did not desecrate his car.

I went to the police. I told him them this murdering madman was a guest in my home. I told them we are keeping his bastard child. I told them everything I knew. They were very grateful.

[YOUNGER BROTHER] Were they grateful for the truth?

I hope I misunderstand you. Would you defend this savage? Does he have anyone but himself to blame for Sarah’s death? Anything but his damnable nigger pride? Nothing under heaven can excuse the killing of men and the destruction of property in this manner.

[YOUNGER BROTHER] I did not hear you say then that death and the destruction of property were inexcusable.

Must I endure this?

[YOUNGER BROTHER] I despise you.

He’ll be back.

[MOTHER] Why don’t you ever talk to him?

How would you like to see a game of baseball tomorrow?

[LITTLE BOY] I think I would like that, sir.

I’ve been neglecting you. The Giants are at the Polo Grounds. Mother, I’m taking the boy to see a game of baseball.

[MOTHER] You fool.

You’ll like baseball. It’s a civilized pastime.[

[LITTLE BOY] Up yer alley!

Sshh, Edgar!