THE SOUND OF CARNIVAL MUSIC IN THE DISTANCE. LIGHTS COME UP ON MULBERRY PUBLIC PARK. IT’S A HOT, DAMP SUMMER NIGHT AND THE SHRINERS CARNIVAL IS IN TOWN. WILLIAM CALDWELL COMES RUSHING ON STAGE. HE’S DRESSED IN A SIMPLE SUIT WITH TIE AND IN ONE HAND HE CARRIES HIS SHOES AND IN THE OTHER HAND, A COCA-COLA. HE GLANCES AROUND THE PARK, THEN QUICKLY DUCKS DOWN BEHIND A PARK BENCH SITUATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARK. A COUPLE OF BEATS. ELMA WILLIAMSON, DRESSED IN A PRETTY SUMMER DRESS, COMES STROLLING ONSTAGE. SHE'S ALSO CARRYING HER SHOES IN ONE HAND AND A COCO-COLA IN THE OTHER. SHE COMES TO A STOP, LOOKS AROUND, PRETENDING NOT TO SEE WILLIAM KNEELING DOWN BEHIND THE BENCH.
ELMA
Oly, oly oxen free…
SUDDENLY, WILLIAM POPS UP FROM BEHIND THE BENCH.
WILLIAM
Boo!
ELMA
(feigning surprised) Oooo…!
THEY BOTH GIGGLE LIKE YOUNG SCHOOL KIDS.
WILLIAM
Did I scare you?
ELMA
You surely did.
WILLIAM
Not too much? I wouldn't want to scare you too much. If a man scares a woman too much it becomes a whole different thing.
ELMA
I believe you scared me just the right amount, William. Yes sir, just the right amount.
WILLIAM, PLEASED WITH HIMSELF, PULLS A HANDKERCHIEF FROM HIS POCKET, BRUSHES OFF ONE END OF THE BENCH AND WITH A GENTLEMANLY BOW AND WAVE OF HIS ARM, MOTIONS FOR ELMA TO SIT. ELMA SMILES, DOES A LITTLE
