'But hadn't you any brother, or sister or aunt, or--' 'No, none on 'em.

Never had nothin' nor nobody.' 'But, Topsy, if you would only try to be good you might--' 'Couldn't never be nothin' but a nigger, if I was ever so good,' said Topsy.

'If I could be skinned, and come white, I'd try then.' 'But people can love you, if you are black, Topsy.

Miss Ophelia would love you if you were good.' Topsy laughed scornfully.
'Don't you think so ?' said Eva.
'No.

She can't bear me, 'cause I'm a nigger.