Gone with the Wind / Унесённые ветром. Уровень 3

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.

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 - slow poke – медлительный человек, тугодум]!»

«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?»

В«Not veryВ», lied Melanie. В«Scarlett, how long did it take Wade to get born?В»

В«Less than no timeВ», answered Scarlett.

«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.

В«Little wenchВ», 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».

В«And ask any of the gentlemen for news of the fighting.