Унесенные ветром

           "AndlooksalotlikeBetty,too,"saidCamilla,andthendisappearedshriekingamidawelterofskirtsandpantaletsandbobbinghats,asBetty,whodidhavealongface,beganpinchingher.

           "Myfilliesarefeelingtheiroatsthismorning,"saidMrs.Tarleton."They’vebeenkickinguptheirheelseversinceweheardthenewsthismorningaboutAshleyandthatlittlecousinofhisfromAtlanta.What’shername?Melanie?Blessthechild,she’sasweetlittlething,butIcanneverremembereitherhernameorherface.OurcookisthebroadwifeoftheWilkesbutler,andhewasoverlastnightwiththenewsthattheengagementwouldbeannouncedtonightandCookietoldusthismorning.Thegirlsareallexcitedaboutit,thoughIcan’tseewhy.Everybody’sknownforyearsthatAshleywouldmarryher,thatis,ifhedidn’tmarryoneofhisBurrcousinsfromMacon.JustlikeHoneyWilkesisgoingtomarryMelanie’sbrother,Charles.Now,tellme,Mr.O’Hara,isitillegalfortheWilkestomarryoutsideoftheirfamily?Becauseif—"

           Scarlettdidnotheartherestofthelaughingwords.Foroneshortinstant,itwasasthoughthesunhadduckedbehindacoolcloud,leavingtheworldinshadow,takingthecoloroutofthings.Thefreshlygreenfoliagelookedsickly,thedogwoodpallid,andthefloweringcrab,sobeautifullypinkamomentago,fadedanddreary.Scarlettdugherfingersintotheupholsteryofthecarriageandforamomentherparasolwavered.ItwasonethingtoknowthatAshleywasengagedbutitwasanothertohearpeopletalkaboutitsocasually.Thenhercourageflowedstronglybackandthesuncameoutagainandthelandscapeglowedanew.SheknewAshleylovedher.Thatwascertain.AndshesmiledasshethoughthowsurprisedMrs.Tarletonwouldbewhennoengagementwasannouncedthatnight—howsurprisediftherewereanelopement.