an not touch me. He is not of my world.

Mrs. C. We are all of one world, Edgar, and never know when we
may lap fortunes with our foes. Mr. Brackett is going into
literature too.

Poe. Yes. The trade and barter part of it. I shall be in the
holy temple while he keeps a changer's table on the steps.
(Shrugging) Brackett! Pah!... But goodbye for half an
hour. I'm going to the orchard to take counsel with the
birds on my new philosophy. (Starts away) Come, (turning
to Virginia) my mocking bird, there won't be a quorum
without you! (Virginia goes to him. Zurie puts her head
out of a window and calls.)

Mum Zurie.
Mars Nelson comin' up de lane!

Mrs. C. Come back, Virginia, you must see your uncle. Edgar,
won't you wait and meet him?

Poe. Thank you aunt, but I don't think it would give him any
pleasure. (Exit)

Vir. (Coming back reluctantly) O mama, we _will_ make him
happy!

Mrs. C. We'll try, my dear. But you must get ready for the picnic.
The girls will be here soon. Is Edgar going with you?

Vir. No, mother. He said he would go to a picnic only with
nymphs and naiads.

Mrs. C. Here is uncle.

(Enter, from the road, Nelson Clemm)

Mr. C. How d' do, Maria! Howdy, girl! Go get your hat.

Mrs. C. What now, Nelson?

Mr. C. Nothin'. Only I'm tired o' foolin' and talkin' about that
girl's education. I've come to take her this time.

Vir. To send me to school?

Mr. C. High time, ain't it? I couldn't make up my mind before
whether 'twas to be the seminary at Bowville or Maryburg.
But I had a letter this morning which settled it for
Bowville. Suits me exactly--suits me _exactly_. So get
your hat and come along. I drove across the ridge and left
my trap at Judge Carroll's.

Mrs. C. Her clothes, Nelson! There's nothing ready--

Mr. C. You mean to say! When we've been talkin' this thing a
whole year? And you a thrifty woman tell me her clothes
ain't ready? Well, she'll come without 'em, that's all.
You can send 'em along afterwards. I've got it all
fixed up, I tell you. My brother's child shall have her
chance--she shall have her chance, so long as I've got
a dollar in my pocket and sh