Chapter 61 Summary

While Scarlett is in Marietta, she gets an urgent telegram from Rhett telling her that Melanie is ill and to come home immediately. Frustrated that the train is not fast enough, she arrives fearful that Melanie is already dead. Rhett tells her that Melanie ahs miscarried, even though the doctor told her that another pregnancy would kill her. Melanie had not told anyone, because she knew they would be upset with her. Rhett rushes her over to the Wilkes's home, where he leaves her. Scarlett enters to see Pitty and India.

Scarlett enters Melanie's room and sees that death is imminent. Scarlett realizes that just as Tara has provided her strength, so has Melanie. Scarlett realizes that she owes her life to Melanie, and does not know what she will do without her. Melanie struggles to ask Scarlett to take care of Ashley...