"Listen.

Say, listen.

Ain't they another coloured lady awready here by the day?
Listen.

Ain't Miz Malena Burns here by the day this evenin'?
Say, listen.

This the number house she give ME." "Are you the waitress ?" Alice asked, dismally.
"Yes'm, if Malena here." "Malena is here," Alice said, and hesitated; but she decided not to send the waitress to the back door; it might be a risk.