Investigation."

"I don't believe it. You're teasing. They're the nicest

people . . ."

"The nicest people in town are starving," said Rhett. "And living

politely in hovels, and I doubt if I'd be received in those hovels.

You see, my dear, I was engaged in some of my nefarious schemes

here during the war and these people have devilish long memories!

Scarlett, you are a constant joy to me. You unerringly manage to

pick the wrong people and the wrong things."

"But they are your friends!"

"Oh, but I like rascals. My early youth was spent as a gambler on

a river boat and I can understand people like that. But I'm not

blind to what they are. Whereas you"--he laughed again--"you have

no instinct about people, no discrimination between the cheap and

the great. Sometimes, I think that the only great ladies you've

ever associated with were your mother and Miss Melly and neither

seems to have made any impression on you."

"Melly! Why she's as plain as an old shoe and her clothes always

look tacky and she never has two words to say for herself!"

"Spare me your jealousy, Madam. Beauty doesn't make a lady, nor

clothes a great lady!"

"Oh, don't they! Just you wait, Rhett Butler, and I'll show you.

Now that I've--we've got money, I'm going to be the greatest lady

you ever saw!"

"I shall wait with interest," he said.

More exciting than the people she met were the frocks Rhett bought

her, superintending the choice of colors, materials and designs

himself. Hoops were out now, and the new styles were charming with

the skirts pulled back from the front and draped over bustles, and

on the bustles were wreaths of flowers and bows and cascades of

lace. She thought of the modest hoops of the war years and she

felt a little embarrassed at these new skirts which undeniably

outlined her abdomen. And the darling little bonnets that were not

really bonnets at all, but flat little affairs worn over one eye

and laden with fruits and flowers, dancing plumes and fluttering

ribbons! (If only Rhett had not been so silly and burned the false

curls she bought to augment her knot of Indian-straight hair that

peeked from the rear of these little hats!) And the delicate

convent-made underwear! How lovely it was and how many sets she

had! Chemises and nightgowns and petticoats of the finest linen

trimmed with dainty embroidery and infinitesimal tucks. And the

satin slippers Rhett bought her! They had heels three inches high

and huge glittering paste buckles on them. And silk stockings, a

dozen pairs and not a one had cotton tops! What riches!

She recklessly bought gifts for the family. A furry St. Bernard

puppy for Wade, who had always longed for one, a Persian kitten for

Beau, a coral bracelet for little Ella, a heavy necklace with

moonstone pendants for Aunt Pitty, a complete set of Shakespeare

for Melanie and Ashley, an elaborate livery for Uncle Peter,

Including a high silk coachman's hat with a brush upon it, dress

lengths for Dilcey and Cookie, expensive gifts for everyone at

Tara.

"But what have you bought for Mammy?" questioned Rhett, looking

over the pile of gifts spread out on the bed in their hotel room,

and removing the puppy and kitten to the dressing room.

"Not a thing. She was hateful. Why should I bring her a present

when she called us mules?"

"Why should you so resent hearing the truth, my pet? You must

bring Mammy a present. It would break her heart if you didn't--and

hearts like hers are too valuable to be broken."

"I won't take her a thing. She doesn't deserve it."

"Then I'll buy her one. I remember my mammy always said that when

she went to Heaven she wanted a taffeta petticoat so stiff that it

would stand by itself and so rustly that the Lord God would think