Knowing that hewas going to be investigated and
fearing impeachment, Bullock didnot wait.
Her face was puckered in the sad bewilderment of an
oldape but there was determination in her jaw.
Rhett, who had listened to the talk, gave Mammy the
money andpatted her arm. It was like a picnic for them to spend so long a visit
withAunt Melly.
Thisinformation on top of the horror of his
announcement took herbreath away.
Now, none of her old friends came to the house,
except Aunt Pitty,Melanie and Ashley. It would be pleasant to match stories with
Mrs.
She remembered the comfort of his broad brown chest
andhis strong arms. He was swaying on his feet and Mammy could smell thewhisky on
his breath.
Butlers ribs, she galloped down the yard toward the
arbor. Each station, each crossroad the conductor called wasthe name of a battle,
the site of a skirmish. A boy who hadRhetts dark handsomeness and another little
girl.
No, said the doctor, but hes drinking like a fish
and will killhimself if he keeps it up. There, in the yellow lamplight were Ashley,
Aunt Pitty andIndia. He cut the ladies and theirwell-meant condolences off shortly,
rudely. The carriage rocked to a standstill in front of the flat littlehouse and
Rhett handed her out. It was like a picnic for them to spend so long a visit
withAunt Melly.
An he say ter me, right fierce lak: Open dem
shutters. For a moment, she paused beforeScarletts closed door but Mammy hissed,
Nom, doan do dat.
When it was announced, a week after his flight,
Atlanta was wildwith excitement and joy.
An he say ter me, right fierce lak: Open dem
shutters.