that it was permissible to

“He was.” Gerald let go of his daughter’s arm and turned, peering sharply into her face. “And if that’s why you came out here to wait for me, why didn’t you say so without beating around the bush?” 　Scarlett could think of nothing to say, and she felt her face growing red with annoyance. 　“Well, speak up.” 　Still she said nothing, wishing that it was permissible to shake one’s father and tell him to hush his mouth. 　“He was there and he asked most kindly after you, as did his sisters, and said they hoped nothing would keep you from the barbecue tomorrow. I’ll warrant nothing will,” he said shrewdly. “And now, daughter, what’s all this about you and Ashley?” 　“There is nothing,” she said shortly, tugging at his arm. “Let’s go in, Pa.” 　“So now ‘tis you wanting to go in,” he observed. “But here I’m going to stand till I’m understanding you. Now that I think of it ‘tis strange you’ve been recently. Has he been trifling with you? Has he asked to marry you?” 　“No,” she said shortly. 　“Nor will he,” said Gerald. 　Fury flamed in her, but Gerald waved her quiet with a hand. 　“Hold your tongue, Miss! I had it from John Wilkes this afternoon in the strictest confidence that Ashley’s to marry Miss Melanie. It’s to be announced tomorrow.” 　Scarlett’s hand fell from his arm. So it was true! 　A pain slashed at her heart as savagely as a wild animal’s fangs. Through it all, she felt her father’s eyes on her, a little pitying, a little annoyed at being faced with a problem for which he knew no answer. He loved Scarlett, but it made him uncomfortable to have her forcing her childish problems on him for a solution. Ellen knew all the answers. Scarlett should have taken her troubles to her. 　“Is it a spectacle you’ve been making of yourself—of all of us?” he bawled, his voice rising as always in moments of excitement. “Have you been running after a man who’s not in love with you, when you could have any of the bucks in the County?” 　Anger and hurt pride drove out some of the pain. 　“I haven’t been running after him. It—it just surprised me.”