sech grow up roun' _heah_!

Allie. But what a pity he isn't rich!

Zu. Rich? Wha' fo' Mars Edgah want to be rich? All he got to
do is jes scribble, scribble on a piece o' papah, an' de
gol' come rollin' down de chimney! Rich! Yo' better say
yo' prayers yo' get a Mars Edgah too!

Allie. I'll get you to pray for me, Mum Zurie.

(Runs away laughing)

Zu. Wha' fo' now she say I look lak Miss Babylam' gwine ter be
buried? O, de good Lawd hep ol' Zurie!

(Goes in. Enter Poe, left. He is moody and disturbed)

Poe. I feel it--a wind from out that solitude. It calls me back
... it calls me back....

Vir. (Without, calling) Edgar!

Poe. Sweet voice from the fields of the sun! (Prays) Jehovah,
guide thou me! (Virginia peers around a shrub) Who could
lock life's door on such a face? It is God's gift. I take
it. (Virginia comes to him slowly. He takes her in his
arms. Mrs. Clemm and the minister come out of the house
and pause on the steps looking at them. The girls come
rushing back laughing and shouting, and at sight of Poe
and Virginia become suddenly silent)

(CURTAIN)

ACT III.

Scene I: Interior of Clemm cottage. A large room simply furnished.
Low fire burning in fireplace. Poe at table writing. Suddenly
drops pen and picks up two letters)

Poe. I must destroy these. She must not know.... My wife....
(drops letters absentmindedly) ... Married. Married? What
spirit so subtly fine can mingle here?... Back, back, ye
troops of devils damned or angels blest--I know not which
to call ye--summoning me to those lone regions of the mind
where none may follow! None?... Helen could tread those
airy worlds with me!... Helen!... Far, far as zenith stars
that ride the blue meridian thou art, and I, deep, deep,
to nadir sink! (Drops his head to the table)

Virginia. (Without) Edgar! (He lifts his head smiling as she
enters)

Vir. (Holding out a book) O, I know the alphabet! I can say it
all! (Gives him the book) Watch now, and see if I make a
mistake!

Edgar. (Smiling.) I'll hardly need the book, dear.

Vir. (Pouting.) O, I forget that you know everything!

Poe. Not everything. (Taking her face between