Chapter 56

           RhettwasgoneforthreemonthsandduringthattimeScarletthadnowordfromhim.Shedidnotknowwherehewasorhowlonghewouldbegone.Indeed,shehadnoideaifhewouldeverreturn.Duringthistime,shewentaboutherbusinesswithherheadhighandherheartsick.Shedidnotfeelwellphysicallybut,forcedbyMelanie,shewenttothestoreeverydayandtriedtokeepupasuperficialinterestinthemills.Butthestorepalledonherforthefirsttimeand,althoughthebusinesswastreblewhatithadbeentheyearbeforeandthemoneyrollingin,shecouldtakenointerestinitandwassharpandcrosswiththeclerks.JohnnieGallegher’smillwasthrivingandthelumberyardsellingallhissupplyeasily,butnothingJohnniedidorsaidpleasedher.Johnnie,asIrishasshe,finallyeruptedintorageathernaggingsandthreatenedtoquit,afteralongtiradewhichendedwith"andthebackofbothmehandstoyou,Ma’m,andthecurseofCromwellonyou."Shehadtoappeasehimwiththemostabjectofapologies.

           SheneverwenttoAshley’smill.Nordidshegotothelumber-yardofficewhenshethoughthewouldbethere.Sheknewhewasavoidingher,knewthatherconstantpresenceinhishouse,atMelanie’sinescapableinvitations,wasatormenttohim.Theyneverspokealoneandshewasdesperatetoquestionhim.ShewantedtoknowwhetherhenowhatedherandexactlywhathehadtoldMelanie,butheheldheratarm’slengthandsilentlypleadedwithhernottospeak.