«I’m sorry about the cannon. It’s toward Jonesboro, isn’t it?»
Scarlett said «Um».
«I know how worried you are. I know you wanted to go home last week when you heard about your mother. But you stayed because of me?»
«Yes», said Scarlett ungraciously.
«Scarlett, darling. You’ve been so good to me. No sister can be sweeter or braver. And I love you for it. I’m so sorry. I bother you».
Scarlett stared. Loved her, did she? The fool!
«And Scarlett, I want to ask a very great favor of you. If I die, will you take my baby?»
Melanie’s eyes were wide and bright.
«Will you?»
Scarlett jerked away her hand as fear swamped her.
«Oh, don’t be a goose, Melly. You won’t die. Every woman thinks she’s going to die with her first baby. I know I did».
«No, you didn’t. You’ve never been afraid of anything. You are just saying that to try to cheer me up. I’m not afraid to die but I’m so afraid to leave the baby, if Ashley is… Scarlett, promise me that you’ll take my baby if I die. Then I won’t be afraid. Aunt Pittypat is too old to raise a child and Honey and India are sweet but… I want you to have my baby. Promise me, Scarlett».
«Damn it!» cried Scarlett. «Why do you talk about dying?»
«I’m sorry, dear. But promise me. I think it’ll be today. I’m sure it’ll be today. Please promise me».
«Oh, all right, I promise», said Scarlett, looking down at her in bewilderment.
Was Melanie such a fool she really didn’t know how she loved Ashley? Or did she know everything? Scarlett wanted to ask these questions, but they died on her lips as Melanie took her hand and held it for an instant against her cheek.
«Why do you think it will be today, Melly?»
«I have pains… but not very bad ones».
«You have? Well, why didn’t you call me? I’ll send Prissy for Dr. Meade».
«No, don’t do that yet, Scarlett. You know how busy he is, how busy they all are. Just send word to him that we’ll need him some time today. Send over to Mrs. Meade’s and tell her and ask her to come over and sit with me. She’ll know when to send for him».
«Oh, stop it. You know you need a doctor as much as anybody in the hospital. I’ll send for him right away».
«No, please don’t. Just send for Mrs. Meade. She’ll know».
«All right», said Scarlett.
Chapter XVI
Scarlett dispatched Prissy for Mrs. Meade and sat down with Wade to eat breakfast. But she had no appetite. Coffee was repulsive. Without sugar or cream it was bitter. After one swallow she pushed her cup away. She hated the Yankees because they kept her from real coffee with sugar and cream in it.
Wade was quieter than usual. He ate silently. When he had finished she sent him off to the back yard to play with great relief. She arose and stood irresolutely at the foot of the stairs. She should go up and sit with Melanie but she did not want it.
She sat down on the bottom step of the stairs and tried to compose herself. Why didn’t Mrs. Meade come? And where was Prissy?
She went out onto the front porch and looked for them impatiently. Finally Prissy came into view.
«You’re as slow as molasses in January», snapped Scarlett as Prissy opened the gate. «What did Mrs. Meade say? How soon will she be over here?»
«She wasn’t there», said Prissy.
«Where is she? When will she be home?»
«Well», answered Prissy. «The Cookie says Miss Meade went away early this morning. She won’t come».
Scarlett stared at her and wanted to shake her. Negroes are always proud to bring some evil news.
«Well, don’t stand there like a ninny. Go down to Mrs. Merriwether’s and ask her to come up or send her mammy. Now, hurry».
«They aren’ there, Miss Scarlett. I met Mammy on my way home. I passed some time with her. They all have gone away. The house is locked up. They are in the hospital».
«So that’s where you were so long! Whenever I send you somewhere you go where I tell you and don’t stop to ‘pass some time’ with anybody. Go!»
Who was left in town among their friends who could be helpful? There was Mrs. Elsing. Of course, Mrs. Elsing didn’t like her at all these days but she had always been fond of Melanie.
«Go to Mrs. Elsing’s, and explain everything very carefully and tell her to please come up here. And, Prissy, listen to me. Miss Melly’s baby may come soon and she may need you any minute now. Now hurry!».
«Yes, ma’am», said Prissy and sauntered down the walk at snail’s gait.
«Hurry, you slow poke[19]!»
«Yes, ma’am».
Prissy quickened her gait infinitesimally and Scarlett went back into the house. She entered Melanie’s room and saw that the breakfast tray was untouched. Melanie lay on her side, her face white.
«Mrs. Meade’s over at the hospital», said Scarlett. «But Mrs. Elsing is coming. Do you feel bad?»
«Not very», lied Melanie. «Scarlett, how long did it take Wade to get born?»
«Less than no time», answered Scarlett. «I was out in the yard and I didn’t hardly have time to get into the house. Mammy said it was scandalous… just like one of the darkies. It’s not really so bad».
«Oh, I know it isn’t. I’m afraid I’m a little coward. Is… is Mrs. Elsing coming right away?»
«Yes, right away», said Scarlett. «I’ll go down and get some fresh water. It’s so hot today».
When an hour had passed she saw Prissy returning slowly.
«Little wench», thought Scarlett savagely.
«Miss Elsing is at the hospital. A lot of wounded soldiers arrived. She says…»
«Never mind what she said», interrupted Scarlett. «Put on a clean apron and go to the hospital. I’m going to give you a note to Dr. Meade, and if he isn’t there, give it to Dr. Jones or any of the other doctors».
«Yes, ma’am».
«And ask any of the gentlemen for news of the fighting. If they don’t know, ask the engineers who brought the wounded in. Ask if they are fighting at Jonesboro or near there».
«God Almighty, Miss Scarlett! The Yankees aren’t at Tara, are they?»
«I don’t know. I’m telling you to ask for
slow poke – медлительный человек, тугодум
