White folks is sinners too,--Miss Feely says so; but I spects niggers is the biggest ones; but lor! ye an't any on ye up to me.

I 's so awful wicked there can't nobody do nothin' with me.

I used to keep old Missis a swarin' at me half de time.

I spects I 's the wickedest critter in the world;" and Topsy would cut a summerset, and come up brisk and shining on to a higher perch, and evidently plume herself on the distinction.
Miss Ophelia busied herself very earnestly on Sundays, teaching Topsy the catechism.

Topsy had an uncommon verbal memory, and committed with a fluency that greatly encouraged her instructress.
"What good do you expect it is going to do her ?" said St.Clare.
"Why, it always has done children good.