Gone with the Wind / Унесённые ветром. Уровень 3

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 news».

В«God Almighty, Miss Scarlett! My Ma!В»

Prissy began to bawl suddenly, loudly.

В«Stop bawling! Miss Melanie will hear you. Now go change your apron, quickВ».

Melanie asked no questions. She lay upon her back, her face tranquil and sweet. She said,

«It isn’t very bad, really», and Scarlett knew she was lying.

Scarlett looked sharply at the pain-twisted face. She should be here with Melanie at this time. She who had nothing in common with her, who hated her!

«Don’t talk, dear. I know how worried you are. I’m so sorry I’m so much trouble», said Melanie.

Scarlett could not sit still. She walked to the window and looked down the street and came back and sat down again. Then she rose and looked out of the window on the other side of the room.

An hour went by and then another. Melanie’s pains were harder now. Where was Prissy? Why didn’t she come? Why didn’t the doctor come? She went to the window and looked again. At last she saw Prissy. Prissy was coming down the street at a quick trot. Her mouth opened to yell. Scarlett hastily put her finger to her lips.

«I’ll get some cooler water», she said. Then she hastily left the room, closing the door carefully behind her.

Prissy was sitting on the bottom step in the hall.

В«They are fighting at Jonesboro, Miss Scarlett! Oh, God, Miss Scarlett! What will happen to Ma? Oh, God, Miss Scarlett! What will happen to us? Oh, God!В»

«For God’s sake, hush!» cried Scarlett. «Where’s Dr. Meade? When’s he coming?»

В«I did not see him, Miss ScarlettВ».

В«What!В»

«No ma’am, he isn’ at the hospital. Miss Merriwether and Miss Elsing aren’t there. A man told me that the doctor was at the depot, but Miss Scarlett, I’m scared to go there».

В«What about the other doctors?В»

В«Miss Scarlett, they did not read the note. They say they have to be with the wounded. They tell me to get some woman to helpВ».

«You say Dr. Meade’s at the depot?»

«Yes, ma’am».

«Now, listen sharp to me. I’m going to get Dr. Meade and I want you to sit by Miss Melanie and do anything she says. Do you hear?»

«Yes, ma’am».

В«Wipe your eyes and get a fresh pitcher of water and go on up.