to co-hostess Ashley's birthday party that night. Melanie and Rhett continue to have a good relationship, even as his and Scarlett's marriage falls apart. Rhett says Melanie is one of the few real ladies he's ever known. After Scarlett falls down the stairs and miscarries, Melanie comforts Rhett, who in a drunken state, cries on her lap, lamenting that his wife never loved him. He almost reveals that Scarlett has long been in love with Ashley before he realizes who he's talking to. He subsequently gives up his feelings for Scarlett and focuses his attentions on their daughter Bonnie, who later dies in a riding accident. It is Melanie that convinces the grief-stricken Rhett to allow them to bury Bonnie after her death. In 1873, Melanie becomes pregnant again, although Dr. Meade had specifically warned her against it. First being overjoyed, she soon weakens considerably after a miscarriage and calls Scarlett to her. Melanie tells her how much she's loved her, asks her to take care of Beau and of Ashley, and speaks her last words, which involve Rhett Butler and his intense love for Scarlett. Melanie's death serves as a catalyst for the final phase of Scarlett's character growth in the book. Scarlett mourns Melanie's death, and unselfishly thanks God for not allowing the dead woman to know about Ashley's emotional involvement with herself. Portrayal and relationship with Scarlett Melanie is the stereotypical southern belle, embodying the femininity and grace idealized by antebellum American Southern culture. During the post-war, society rewards her for her female virtues by making her an unassailable social pillar, and lauding her as a "true lady". She is universally admired by all of the characters for her selfless goodness, though Scarlett occasionally derides her naivety. The character of Melanie is a direct foil to that of Scarlett, and their deep 'sisterhood' seems odd to outsiders, who often assume it is Melanie's grace which allows her to be friends with the abrasive Scarlett long after the bounds of Scarlett's first marriage to Melanie's brother ended. But Melanie has always had deep admiration for Scarlett's spirit and strength, and her courage in saving her and newborn Beau has made Melanie eternally and unshakably grateful to Scarlett. Melanie is a well-pedigreed member of the Southern aristocracy from a well-known and established family. She is known for her selfless charity, unending kindness, and delicacy. Melanie's physical weakness, likely caused