And the money in the Yankeesoldiers wallet. There
was something about cotton thatwas reassuring, steadying. If I had ona petticoat or
pantalets Id use them.
Im telling this, please, said Old Miss
shortly.
By God, this wasone Yankee who would do no more
stealing! The house was saved by the combined accents of the second
Mrs.
Her mind prodded to action by the feverish urgency
of Melaniesvoice, Scarlett thought hard. She isnt well yet and she shouldnt be out
inthe sun.
And the apples and the yams in the pantry bins. She
dropped her eyes to the ground and waited for Grandma to speak. Scarlett next had
tried her sisters and Melanie in the fields, butthat had worked no better. No
feeling ofhorror or remorse assailed her at the memory. Indian summer lingered into
November that year and the warm dayswere bright days for those at Tara.
Scarlett looked up into the keen old eyes and knew
she could tellthe truth, without tears.
Scarlett dropped her head on her armsand struggled
not to cry.
Oh, they are better, much better, almost well but
quite weak,answered Scarlett.
The onlytime crying ever did any good was when
there was a man around fromwhom you wished favors.
Well, how were we to know different when
Mr.
How heavy he was and how weak she suddenly
felt.
Well, you see, I didnt get home till the day after
the battle,she answered hastily.
We dont know athing except that Sherman finally got
the town. It would be the longest walk she had ever taken in her life, butwalk it
she would.
She knew she could not tell them Ellen wasdead. Ill
tell Papa on you and he wont make me work! A Yankee, a Yankee with a longpistol on
his hip! Even that sorryanimal Rhett had stolen would make all the difference in the
worldto them. Even that sorryanimal Rhett had stolen would make all the difference
in the worldto them.