"He would say, 'Woodson, do exactly as Mistress Patricia tells you.'" This with great sweetness.
The overseer gave it up. "I reckon he would, missy," he said with a grin. "You wind him and all of us around your finger."
"'T is all for your good, Woodson," with a soft, bright laugh. Then, coaxingly, "Am I to have the Bluebird?"
"I reckon so, Mistress Patricia, seeing that you have set your heart upon it," said the still reluctant overseer.
"That's a good Woodson. I want Regulus to be one of the boatmen. You can send any other you choose. I shall take Darkeih with me."
"You can't have Regulus, Mistress Patricia," answered the overseer positively. "He 's worth any two men in the field. I can't let him go."
"Let him be at the wharf in half an hour. I will be ready by then."
"You can't have him, Missy."
Patricia stamped her pretty foot. "Am I mistress of this plantation, or am I not, Woodson?"
"Lord knows you are!" groaned the overseer.