Scarlett glared at her and Prissy shrank back,
trying to pullloose. Oh, if she were only there now, Yankees or not.
Everywoman thinks shes going to die with her first
baby.
The name ofSatan himself did not frighten her half
so much. He reined in so suddenly the horse went back on its haunches,pawing the
air.
It was incredible thatshe could be in such a
fix.
Long lines of soldiers were passing, dustcovered,
sodden with weariness. A sullen Yasm drifted up to her and she drew a deep
breath,feeling suddenly ashamed of herself. Maybe General Hood would give me an
escort.
Then she squared her shoulders and started up the
stairs. Her heart began to pound and new life came into herlimbs.
She entered the room and sat down on the bed that
was glaring withharsh sunshine.
She longed for the sight of Ellens sweet face,for
Mammys strong arms around her.
Ask if they are fighting at Jonesboro or near
there. If there were only someone in this mad place to whomshe could
turn.
For a moment Scarlett stood still, looking up,
listening tothe low moaning which had begun again.
Melanie reached out and took Scarletts hand in a
gentle confidingclasp. He was coatless and his sleeves were rolled up tohis
shoulders. Scarlett jerked away her hand as fear swamped her. If theywere that far
away, the sound would be fainter, more indistinct. She picked her way rapidly
through the wounded and back toPeachtree Street. Wellm, answered Prissy, dragging
out her words pleasurably togive more weight to her message. She opened her mouth to
tell him why Mrs.
Would the Confederatesmarch away without even a
fight? After a prolonged time she was back,alone.
She entered the room and sat down on the bed that
was glaring withharsh sunshine.
Scarlettsponged her face in silence but fear was
gnawing at her.
It was bad luck to wish thatsomeone were dead,
almost as bad luck as to curse someone. Prissy made a lunge past her, bent onflight,
but Scarlett grabbed her. She hurried out of the house and into the heat ofthe sun.
Theyre coming, whispered Melanie undeceived and buried her facein the pillow. Just
send word to him that well need him sometime today.