There was a faint gleam of admiration in his eyes
as he answered.
Where the good-looking young man was, said Sister.
Her jaw trembled before she clenched her teeth to steady it.
But this time she was not running from fear. You
take their love and hold it over their headslike a whip.
Something, someone hasmade you realize that the
unfortunate Mr.
She did not wantto talk of her now, to re-live the
agony of the last hour.
But I couldnt letyou know, for I knew youd think me
weak and try to use my loveagainst me. They were truly a Happy Young AmericanMarried
Couple.
She looked up quickly to see if there was a jeer
behind those wordsbut there was none.
She looked upat him, her heart in her eyes, her
lips quivering as she tried tospeak. He looked at her, standing before him, for a
moment, a long lookthat went to the back of her mind. No,Scarlett, I will not be
pursued as the luckless Ashley was pursued.
Hes loved me all along and Ive been so mean
tohim.
I couldntlive with you and lie to you and I
certainly couldnt lie tomyself.
There had never been a man shecouldnt get, once she
set her mind upon him. All I know is that you do not love me and youare going
away!
I loved youbut I couldnt let you know it. Ashleys
words were as clear in her ears as though he and notRhett were
speaking.
They ought to have some sort of a hotel to eat
at,yawned Mr.
That evening, as they were approaching Crookston,
where they wereto spend the night, Mr.
She was frightened but not at the thought of hell
fire. Im not referring to hell fire to come for your affair with Ashley. His father,
still blessedly alive and in practice, was Dr. Ithink youll always be more attracted
by glister than by gold. I loved youbut I couldnt let you know it. Leave us some
dignity, some reticence to rememberout of our marriage. He turned and even in her
confusion she was surprised that therewas no mockery in his face. That evening, as
they were approaching Crookston, where they wereto spend the night, Mr. She was
powerlessagainst his cool mind, his disinterested words.
But he was nowunfitted for excursions among the
forests and lakes of NorthernMinnesota.
But some remnant of pride, of common sensestiffened
her.
Twenty-eight, she answered dully, muffled in the
handkerchief.
And here were his own not-very-numerous
books.
And youhavent any religion left, so the Church wont
matter.
Ashleys words were as clear in her ears as though
he and notRhett were speaking.