Chapter 34
At these last few words from Scarlett, even Rhett looked moved. "Aah, darling" he said tenderly. "Perhaps that is true, but think of the kind of dream your parents have given you. It is that dream which has saved you from facing the pain of an unloving mother and a boyish father who cared too much about himself to set a better example to his daughters. In their own way, they tried to shield you and now you have seen the truth. But you know-"
Rhett's voice fell down to a low whisper. "When I look at you, I can still see that young girl wearing her apple green taffeta, sleeves pulled down to expose her white shoulders, wearing that huge hat with green ribbons, bowing and chatting gaily with her beaus. I see charming manners, flashing green eyes full of life and gaiety."
"Oh Rhett" cried Scarlett, genuinely pleased by this sudden effusion of kindness. She decided to humor him in the same way. "And I see, a dashing blockader, tall with a swarthy brown face and the grace of a panther looking for its prey-"
Rhett laughed out loud. Some people turned around, annoyed to have their conversations interrupted. Scarlett looked embarrassed and instantly asked him to hush up. She took a sip of her drink and dabbed her lips with her handkerchief.
"Oh honestly, Scarlett - Is that how you see me?"
"Yes. But you don't have to make a scene about it! Do control yourself, people are still looking in our direction!"
Rhett finally composed himself and continued more good-humoredly. "Its strangely gratifying. Is that how you really saw me?"
"That is how everyone in Atlanta saw you. I thought you knew that, you conceited man."
"Oh Scarlett, it is priceless. I can't say you are wrong though because that was the kind of image I was going for-"
"You mean you acted that part on purpose?" cried Scarlett, growing even more annoyed.
"Why not? I passed through this stage of disillusionment just like you. Then I grew wise and I adopted the same image for myself, deliberately this time, with all its exaggeration because it amused me"
"Devil take you-"
"Well, you can do it too. Imagine if you deliberately threw on your charms now. Not really believing you were the most attractive thing on earth but just giving the picture of it-"
"A dashing blockade runner and a Southern Belle walking arm in arm back to their Atlanta mansion-" said Scarlett, trying to imagine what it would be like. Suddenly she began to laugh at herself. Rhett grinned. "Rhett, it feels ridiculous just thinking about it-"
"And now you've learned to laugh at yourself. Congratulations, Mrs. Butler. And now you see why I loved you and still do-"
"Why?" asked Scarlett, innocently.
"Because you still believe in that image I gave you. The bold, heroic, dashing blockade runner. Not many people remember me like that. But you do. How can I not help loving you?"
"Oh!" Scarlett colored up at once.
"You are sweet. In your own way and kind. Perhaps Miss. Melly saw this and loved you for it. Perhaps Ashley did too. But let's not talk of them."