human
You shouldn't do that, Tasma Tid; I'm too mean.
gpt
How come you dis away, Honey Nan? inquired the African in a low tone.
human
Who been-a hu't you?
gpt
No one, replied Nan;
human
I am just mean.
gpt
Where have you been? Why did you go away and leave me?
human
Nobody want we fer stay. You go off, an' den we go off. We go off an' walk, walk, walk in de graveyard--walk, walk, walk in de graveyard; an' den we go home way off yander in de woods.
gpt
Home! why this is your home; it shall always be your home,
human
No, no, Honey Nan; 'tis-a no home fer we when you drive we 'way fum foller you, when you shak-a yo' haid ef we come trot, trot 'hind you. We no want home lak dat. No, no, Honey Nan. We make home in de woods.
gpt
Where is your home?
human
We take-a you dey when dem sun go 'way.
gpt
Well, you must stay here, said Nan, emphatically.
human
You shall follow me wherever I go.
gpt
You talk-a so dis time, Honey Nan; nex' time-- Tasma Tid ran down the steps, and went along the walk mimicking Nan's movements, shaking her frock first on one side and then on the other. Then she looked over her shoulder, turned around with a frown, stamped her foot and made menacing gestures with her hands.
human
Dat how 'twill be nex' time, Honey Nan.
gpt
Nonny, she cried,
human
To a t, said Mrs. Absalom, laughing louder.
gpt
Ef she was a foot an' a half higher, I'd 'a' made shore it was you practisin' ag'in the time when you'll mince by the store where old Silas Tomlin's yearlin' is clerkin', or by the tavern peazzer, where Frank Bethune an' the rest of the loafers set at. It's among the merikels that Gabe Tolliver don't mix wi' that crowd. I reckon maybe it's bekaze he jest natchally too wuthless.
human
Now, Nonny! I don't think you ought to make fun of me, protested Nan.
gpt
I am perfectly certain that I don't mince when I walk, and you are always complaining that I don't care how my clothes look.
human
Go roun' to the kitchen, you black slink, exclaimed Mrs. Absalom, addressing Tasma Tid,
gpt
And when you have finished your dinner, come to my room,