Chapter 27 Summary

Scarlett is alarmed as she learns that the Yankee army is heading back toward Tara. Scarlett sends the family down to the swamp with the horse, pigs, and some food to hide. Melanie, the baby, and Wade remain with her. Scarlett hides the Yankee soldier's wallet in the one place she does not think the Yankees will look, the baby's diaper.

The Yankee's arrive and steal and destroy everything around her. A soldier tries to steal Wade's grandfather's sword, but his commanding officer reprimands him and lets Scarlett keep it. Angry, the private sets fire to the kitchen as the Yankees leave the house. Scarlett tries to stop the fire, and with Melanie's help, they succeed. Scarlett reluctantly admires Melanie's strength and courage once again. Melanie, too, raises Scarlett's spirits by admiring how smart it was to hide the wallet in the baby's...