Унесенные ветром

           "Oh,"thoughtScarlett,withthefirstfeelingofrealpleasureshehadexperiencedsincethedayofthebarbecue,"I’mgoingtolikeithere!It’ssoaliveandexciting!"

           Thetownwasevenmorealivethansherealized,fortherewerenewbarroomsbythedozens;prostitutes,followingthearmy,swarmedthetownandbawdyhouseswereblossomingwithwomentotheconsternationofthechurchpeople.Everyhotel,boardinghouseandprivateresidencewascrammedwithvisitorswhohadcometobenearwoundedrelativesinthebigAtlantahospitals.Therewerepartiesandballsandbazaarseveryweekandwarweddingswithoutnumber,withthegroomsonfurloughinbrightgrayandgoldbraidandthebridesinblockade-runfinery,aislesofcrossedswords,toastsdrunkinblockadedchampagneandtearfulfarewells.Nightlythedarktree-linedstreetsresoundedwithdancingfeet,andfromparlorstinkledpianoswheresopranovoicesblendedwiththoseofsoldierguestsinthepleasingmelancholyof"TheBuglesSangTruce"and"YourLetterCame,butCameTooLate"—plaintiveballadsthatbroughtexcitingtearstosofteyeswhichhadneverknownthetearsofrealgrief.

           Astheyprogresseddownthestreet,throughthesuckingmud,ScarlettbubbledoverwithquestionsandPeteransweredthem,pointinghereandtherewithhiswhip,proudtodisplayhisknowledge.

           "Datairdearsenal.Yas’m,deykeepsgunsan’sechlakdar.No’m,demairain’sto’s,dey’sblockadeawfisses.Law,MissScarlett,doanyouknowwhutblockadeawfissesis?Dey’sawfisseswharfurrinersstaysdatbuyusConfedruts’cottonan’shipitouterCha’stonandWilmin’tonan’shipusbackgunpowder.No’m,Ahain’showhutkineoffurrinersdeyis.MissPitty,shesaydeyisInlishbutkainnobodyunnerstana’wuddeysays.Yas’m’tispow’fulsmokyan’desootjes’ruinin’MissPitty’ssilkcuttins.