Zina. Oh, please, Master D’Arneaux, don’t give me a hope like that! When disappointment comes it makes me feel so bad.
D’A. Now, why would you be glad to come with us?
Zina. You have been so kind to me. Oh, if you will buy me, I will work so hard for you!
D’A. Are you not happy in your old home?
Zina (looking about). Please don’t tell master! but I get so tired—My life is so hopeless, and the driver beats me so hard—
D’A. Why do they do that? I always see you at work.
Zina. Because I hid in the swamp when he was trying to sell me to some brutal traders from the coast. Oh, please buy me, Master D’Arneaux! I will work for you day and night and eat the poor food after the other hands.
D’A. But you have seemed to be so much attached to your master, I had hardly dared to broach the matter of adding your pretty face and good heart to the family of my mother.
Zina. Oh, please do not say what I tell you! they would whip me so. I force myself to appear happy and contented, to please master. He is so cross when he finds me crying. Oh, he drinks so much! You will not tell him what I have said? (Falls on her knees, sobbing.) I am so fearful of a worse fate than that.
D’A. Have they dared to insult you while you are but a child?