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@@@@@Two of the widows who lived at the Home hurriedly fetched cups of milk and settled the children in chairs around a low table on the piazza "Now we can hang the greens in peace," said Mrs"Rhett, you'll do the ladder-climbing please Scarlett seated herself next to Anne HamptonShe liked being extra nice to the shy young girl because Anne was so much like MelanieIt made Scarlett feel that in some way she was making up for all the unkind thoughts she had had about Melly all the years that Melly was so resolutely loyal to herAlso, Anne was so openly admiring that her company was always a pleasureHer soft voice was almost animated when she complimented Scarlett on her hair"It must be wonderful to have such dark, rich-looking color," she said"It's like the deepest black silkOr like a painting I saw once of a beautiful, sleek black panther Anne's face shone with innocent worship, then blushed for her impertinence in making such a personal remark Scarlett patted her hand kindlyAnne couldn't help it if she was like a soft, timid, brown field mouseLater, when the decorations were done and the tall rooms smelled sweetly resinous from pine branches, Anne excused herself to go usher in the children for carol singing How Melly would have loved this, thought Scarlett There was a lump in her throat when she looked at Anne, her arms encIrcling two nervous little girls while they sang a duetMelly was so crazy fond of childrenFor an instant Scarlett felt guilty that she hadn't sent more Christmas presents to Wade and Ella, but then the duet was over and it was time to join in the singing, and she had to concentrate on remembering all the verses of "The First Noel "What fun that was!" she exclaimed after they left the Home "I do love Christmas time "I do, too," said Eleanor"It's a good breathing spell before the SeasonThough this year won't be as peaceful as usualThe poor Yankee soldiers will be down on our necks, more than lik