"Yes, let's pertend it. If he thinks he's going away after he has done it, why, there's nothing he won't twy to do, 'cos, you see, he's longing to go. Let's say this to him: 'Orion, you's good boy, you's darlin' boy, and when you has done what I want you to do, you shall go way'—then he'll do it beaut'ful."
"But he aint a-going," said the man, "he's my property. I has bought him; I has bought you both. You are sort of slaves to me."
"No, I aren't a slave to nobody," said Diana, whose fierce little blood could not brook this word.
"Well, you are a very good little gal, and so I am to pretend to Orion that he's going away; but now, when I don't mean him to go, that seems sort of cruel."
"Oh, you leave it to me!" said Diana; "let him think he's going away and I'll manage. Tell Susan to tell him, and tell Aunt Sawah to tell him, and you tell him, and I'll tell him, and then he'll be as good as good, and as bwave—as bwave as a big giant."
"Well, my dear, manage it your own way," said Uncle Ben; "but, all the same, it seems a shame. I aint what's called a very soft sort of man, but it seems a shame to deceive a little kid; only you manage it your own way, little missy."
"I'll manage it my own way," echoed Diana. "I'm awfu' 'bliged."
She tripped gayly out of the room.