Gone with the Wind / Унесённые ветром. Уровень 3

The dancing is about to begin. Gentlemen, if you wish to danse with the lady of your choice, you must bargain for her. I will be auctioneer and the proceeds will go to the hospital!В»

Scarlett said nothing but her eyes glittered. She’s a widow! Suddenly she heard her own name:

В«Mrs. Charles Hamilton, one hundred and fifty dollars, in goldВ».

В«Another one of our belles, perhaps?В» questioned the doctor.

В«NoВ», said Rhett clearly. В«Mrs. HamiltonВ».

В«I tell you it is impossibleВ», said the doctor testily.

«Mrs. Hamilton will not…»

Scarlett cried,

В«Yes, I will!В»

Chapter VIII

Next morning, Pittypat was lachrymose, Melanie was silent and Scarlett defiant.

«I don’t care if they talk. I made more money for the hospital than any girl there».

«Oh, dear, what does the money matter?» wailed Pittypat. «I just couldn’t believe my eyes. Poor Charlie! And that awful Captain Butler, he’s a terrible, terrible person!»

«Oh, I can’t believe he’s that bad», said Melly gently.

«He seemed a perfect gentleman and he is brave. Darling, I understand and it was a brave thing you did last night and it will help the hospital a lot. Aunt Pitty, don’t cry. We must have three convalescents in our house, like everybody else, and some of the soldiers out to dinner every Sunday. Scarlett, don’t you fret. We know you loved Charlie».

Prissy entered with a bulky letter.

В«For you, Miss Melly. A little boy has brought itВ».

В«For me?В» said Melly, wondering, as she opened the envelope.

Scarlett saw a broad gold ring.

В«Read itВ», said Melly, pointing to the. В«Oh, how sweet, how kind, he is!В»

Scarlett, bewildered, picked up the sheet:

В«Accept, dear Madam, this token of my reverence for your courage. This ring has been redeemed at ten times its value. Captain Rhett ButlerВ».

Melanie slipped the ring on her finger and looked at it lovingly.

«I told you he was a gentleman, didn’t I?» she said turning to Pittypat.

В«Aunt Pittypat, you must write him a note and invite him to Sunday dinner so I can thank himВ».

So Captain Butler got the invitation into Pittypat’s house.

«It is difficult for me to believe that you forgot yourself», ran Ellen’s letter and Scarlett scowled. Which of the old cats had written to Ellen? «To dance, and with such a man as Captain Butler! He is a man of bad repute. I am heartbroken.