It was not the place whichshe would have chosen for
a tryst such as she hoped this one wouldbe.
Youboys wait for me and dont run off with any other
girl or Ill befurious.
McRae had the opportunity to talk aboutwar, the way
his women folks shushed him. Sir, said Stuart heavily, what do you mean? Why Charles
Hamilton, you handsome old thing, you!
Father is to announce the engagement
tonight.
She could not speak,but she put out a hand and drew
him into the room.
The sound of Melanies name caught in her
consciousness and shelooked into his crystal-gray eyes. I never did know who she
was, but Ive got my suspicions. If he had said he loathed her, she could not have
been morefrightened. Iwant you to meet the most hardhearted girl in
Georgia.
How much simpler than all the ladylikemaneuverings
she had been taught.
She turned her prettiest smile on Ashley, but for
some reason hewas not looking at her.
Rhett looked at him with polite but mocking
eyes.
An odd look came over Charles face, incredulity and
shamestruggling with love. ButAshley did not seem to notice her at all. Sir, said
Stuart heavily, what do you mean? Scarlett was afraid someone might hear his words.
For an instance there was a silence so acute it seemed thatneither of them even
breathed. Now, of course, all you gentlemen are welltraveled. I should have told
you, but I thought you knew. To her, there was never but onefair side to an
argument. Isnt it enough that youve collected every other mans hearthere today?