Scarlett said nothing but her eyes glittered and
her heartcontracted with a little pain. Be mine, beautiful female, or I will reveal
all?
After all, she was here, not for the Cause,
butbecause she was tired of sitting home.
When I stop making money out of it, Ill
quit.
How closely women crutch the very chains that bind
them! No, after all it wasbetter to marry and keep your self-respect even if you
never hadany more fun. Your husbands are here tonight, I trust, on this happy
occasion? And all her life she had enjoyedthe center of the stage. He didnt even
diein a fine glow of gallantry in battle, so she could brag abouthim. Scarlett knew,
as no one did, how much it meant to her. But howmuch more beautiful is sacrifice
than all the gold and gems of theInd. Every woman present wasblazing with an emotion
she did not feel.
Why, every girl here is wearing dresses you brought
in.
Sothat was who poor Charles Hamiltons widow was
carrying on with! Shed probably never get a chance toshow them again.
His were doubly confusing because she had a vague
idea there wastruth in them.
But howmuch more beautiful is sacrifice than all
the gold and gems of theInd.
He shouted orders and half ofthe Company fell into
line. Scarlett was so startled she could not even move.
Scarletttiptoed above the crowd and saw the captain
of the militiamounting the orchestra platform.
Silks for the ladies and tea andsugar were hard to
get, but that was something to joke about. Nothing like this has ever been done
before.
And neitherexpression was lost on the man who stood
beside them.
She remained sitting with her chin in her hands,
her eyes widewith astonishment. It was almostas if he overdid his courtesy because
his contempt for everybodypresent was so great. If he was any other man inthe world
I could simply freeze up and order him off. He didnt even diein a fine glow of
gallantry in battle, so she could brag abouthim. If he was any other man inthe world
I could simply freeze up and order him off. She saw thedoctor lean down from the
platform and whisper something to RhettButler.
Then he grinned to himself as herecognized the
invitation that any male could read.
How could anything but overwhelming victory come to
aCause as just and right as theirs? The chaperons corner was in tumult and
Mrs.
She was seventeen yearsold and her feet were
patting the floor, wanting to skip anddance.
I stood there in the doorway before you saw me and
I watchedyou, he said.
Then he had to dry your eyes and usually he
proposed, toshow just how much he did respect you.