Although Scarlett didn’t care about Charles, she understands the value to Wade of his sword. Also, Charles’s weapons have come in handy to both Scarlett and Melanie throughout the story as they have defended themselves. Scarlett’s boldness in asking the Yankees to spare her the sword seems to wound the pride of the man who found it, and he sets out to get revenge. In this way, Scarlett’s sentimentality over the sword is a weak moment that perhaps puts her at greater risk, even as it brings her closer to Wade.