wat's gittin' in 'im myse'f. But, you chil'en, put on yer bunnits, an'
run an' play in de yard tell I fixes dis chis' uv cloes; an' you little
niggers, go wid 'em, an' tuck cyar uv 'em; an' ef dem chil'en git hut,
yer'll be sorry fur it, mun; so yer'd better keep em off'n seesaws an'
all sich ez dat."

Dumps and Tot, attended by their little maids, went out in the yard at
Mammy's bidding, but not to play; their hearts were too heavy about poor
little Diddie, and the little negroes were no less grieved than they
were, so they all held a consultation as to what they should do.

"Le's go 'roun' ter de schoolroom winder, an' talk ter her," said
Dilsey. And, accordingly, they repaired to the back of the house, and
took their stand under the schoolroom window. The schoolroom was on the
first floor, but the house was raised some distance from the ground by
means of stone pillars, so none of the children were tall enough to see
into the room.

Dilsey called Diddie softly, and the little girl appeared at the window.

"Have you said your lesson yet?" asked Dumps.

"No, an' I ain't ergoin' to, neither," answered Diddie.

"An' yer ain't had yer dinner, nuther, is yer, Miss Diddie?" asked
Dilsey.

"No; but I don't care 'bout that; I sha'n't say my lesson not ef she
starves me clean ter death."