“ Well, she was right, as far as she knew. But, Scarlett, did it ever occur to you that even the most deathless love could wear out?”
She looked at him speechless, her mouth a round O.
“ Mine wore out,” he went on, “against Ashley Wilkes and your insane obstinacy that makes you hold on like a bulldog to anything you think you want. . . . Mine wore out.”
“ But love can’t wear out!”
“ Yours for Ashley did.”
“ But I never really loved Ashley!”
“ Then, you certainly gave a good imitation of it — up till tonight. Scarlett, I’m not upbraiding you, accusing you, reproaching you. That time has passed. So spare me your defenses and your explanations. If you can manage to listen to me for a few minutes without interrupting, I can explain what I mean. Though God knows, I see no need for e
