(It is midnight. Enter RUTH in a nightdress, carrying a paraffin lamp. She sneaks up to the typewriter and begins to read one of JAKES's stories. Suddenly there is a noise behind her. Enter MINGUS. He is dressed to kill, hat brim pulled low, trench coat. He has returned from a job. He stands in the doorway.)

MINGUS: What are you doing?

RUTH: Oh God, Mingus - you gave me a fright.

MINGUS: Come on Ruth Golden, what are you doing?

RUTH: I couldn't sleep.

MINGUS: Ja, and so you scratch in Jakes’ things. What do you want?

RUTH: I'm just looking.

MINGUS: Why? What do you think you'll find there that you don't know already? Haven't you seen enough?

RUTH: Look, I couldn't sleep.

MINGUS: Why? Does Princess keep you awake, that you have to wander around at night?

RUTH: We manage.

MINGUS: Ja, and how does Sophiatown look now? Two in a bed - or does Princess sleep underneath?

RUTH: You kicked her out, and your mother wants the rent, so we manage.

MINGUS: Ja, and when the majietas come? One underneath and one on top! Sophiatown style.

RUTH: What do you want, Mingus?

MINGUS: From you. Miss Golden - nothing.

RUTH: Good, I'll just go right back to bed.

MINGUS: Hold it!

RUTH: What do you want, Mingus?

MINGUS: Come here! Come on. Give me your hand. I've just been on a job. Here - feel.

(He puts her hand under his jacket.)

RUTH: (Pulling away.) Ah.

MINGUS: Tonight there's no sleep for either of us. What I need now is a drive, a ride in the moonlight. I need to look at the moon.

RUTH: Why don't you go, Mingus?

MINGUS: Hold it. I want you to come with. It's lonely out there on your own. I want to look at your hair, your face, the rest of you.

RUTH: I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

MINGUS: (Blocking her exit.) If you want to see Sophiatown you gotta see all sides. This is Sophiatown by night.

RUTH: Look Mingus, it's late. I don't feel like going for a drive.