Унесенные ветром

Chapter 4

           WhileGeraldlaunchedforthonhisnews,Mammysettheplatesbeforehermistress,golden-toppedbiscuits,breastoffriedchickenandayellowyamopenandsteaming,withmeltedbutterdrippingfromit.MammypinchedsmallJack,andhehastenedtohisbusinessofslowlyswishingthepaperribbonsbackandforthbehindEllen.Mammystoodbesidethetable,watchingeveryforkfulthattraveledfromplatetomouth,asthoughsheintendedtoforcethefooddownEllen’sthroatshouldsheseesignsofflagging.Ellenatediligently,butScarlettcouldseethatshewastootiredtoknowwhatshewaseating.OnlyMammy’simplacablefaceforcedhertoit.

           WhenthedishwasemptyandGeraldonlymidwayinhisremarksonthethievishnessofYankeeswhowantedtofreedarkiesandyetofferednopennytopayfortheirfreedom,Ellenrose.

           "We’llbehavingprayers?"hequestioned,reluctantly.

           "Yes.Itissolatewhy,itisactuallyteno’clock,"astheclockwithcoughingandtinnythumpsmarkedthehour."Carreenshouldhavebeenasleeplongago.Thelamp,please,Pork,andmyprayerbook,Mammy."

           PromptedbyMammy’shoarsewhisper,Jacksethisfly-brushinthecornerandremovedthedishes,whileMammyfumbledinthesideboarddrawerforEllen’swornprayerbook.Pork,tiptoeing,reachedtheringinthechainanddrewthelampslowlydownuntilthetabletopwasbrightlybathedinlightandtheceilingrecededintoshadows.Ellenarrangedherskirtsandsanktotheflooronherknees,layingtheopenprayerbookonthetablebeforeherandclaspingherhandsuponit.Geraldkneltbesideher,andScarlettandSuellentooktheiraccustomedplacesontheoppositesideofthetable,foldingtheirvoluminouspetticoatsinpadsundertheirknees,sotheywouldachelessfromcontactwiththehardfloor.

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