Gone with the Wind / Унесённые ветром. Уровень 3

«When the war is over!» she thought. «When it’s over, then…»

When the war is over, everything will be settled, somehow. If Ashley loves her, he simply will not be able to live with Melanie.

But then, a divorce was impossible. And Ellen and Gerald, staunch Catholics, will never permit her to marry a divorced man. It will mean leaving the Church! In a choice between the Church and Ashley, Scarlett will choose Ashley.

Everything will be all right when the war is over. If Ashley loves her, he’ll find a way.

In March the hideous blow fell. Melanie told her she was going to have a baby. She must go home to Tara, home, where she belonged. But, as they sat at the table in the morning, a telegram came.

It was to Melanie from Ashley’s servant, Mose.

«Regret to inform you Major Wilkes missing since scouting expedition[16 - scouting expedition – разведывательная операция] three days ago. Colonel Sloan».

Her door opened and Melanie entered.

В«ScarlettВ», she said. В«I know my darling is dead!В»

They fell on the bed. Ashley is dead!

«At least», Melanie whispered, «I’ve got his baby».

«And I», thought Scarlett, «I’ve got nothing… except the look on his face when he told me good-bye».

One afternoon, Melanie came home from town and Rhett Butler. She had fainted at the telegraph office and Rhett had escorted her home. He carried her up the stairs to her bedroom.

В«Mrs. WilkesВ», he questioned abruptly, В«you are going to have a baby, are you not?В»

She nodded.

«Then you must take better care of yourself. If you permit me, Mrs. Wilkes, I will use my influence in Washington to learn about Mr. Wilkes’ fate. If he is a prisoner, he will be on the Federal lists».

В«Oh, you are so kindВ», cried Melanie. В«How can people say such dreadful things about you?В»

It was a month before he had news. Ashley was not dead! He had been wounded and taken prisoner.

He was at Rock Island, a prison camp in Illinois.

Oh, Ashley was in that horrible place! Ashley was alive but he was wounded and at Rock Island.

«Oh, Captain Butler, isn’t there some way… Can’t you use your influence…» cried Melanie.

«I hadn’t told you before, Mrs. Wilkes, but your husband had a chance to get out and refused it».

В«Oh, no!В» cried Melanie in disbelief.

В«Yes, indeed.