his hands as she
sits on his knee, the book falling at their feet) I do not
know how to be happy when this beautiful face is gone. My
wife is the fairest lady in all the world.

Vir. Then what does it matter about this old Greek, Edgar?
(Touching book with her foot)

Poe. Just this. You can not always be young and beautiful, and
when you are no longer the fairest I want you to be the
wisest.

Vir. And if I am you will love me always?

Poe. Always.

Vir. Give me the book! (Picks it up) O, I will eat Greek! I
will breakfast with the heroes, dine with the bards, and
sup with the gods! But what a pity one must begin with the
alphabet to end with--what were those lovely lines I found
in your book yesterday?

And Helen on the walls rose like a star,
And every Trojan said 'she's worth our blood,'
And every Greek ploughed new his way to her--

Go on, Edgar! I'm sure you know them!

(As she repeats the lines he presses her head to his
shoulder and puts his hand over her eyes. His face is full
of agony, but there is only sweetness in his voice.)

Poe. Not now, my little wife. Some other time.

Vir. Helen is such a beautiful name. I wish I had been named
Helen.

Poe. Thank God you are not!

Vir. (Looking up hastily) Why--

Poe. I mean that I want you to be just as you are--my
Virginia--nothing else!

Vir. (Seeing he is troubled) I am keeping you from your work.
You should have sent me away. I'll be angry with you,
Edgar, if you let me disturb you. Now I'm going to find
the last rose of summer for you.

Poe. But you haven't said your lesson.

Vir. O! (begins) Alpha, beta,--now if I say them right you are
to give me a kiss for reward!

Poe. And if you miss one, I'll give you a kiss for
encouragement.

Vir. (Seeing letter) O, a letter from New York! You've made me
your secretary, you know, and of course I must read your
letters! (Picks it up and glances at it) He says Mr.
Willis will certainly give you a place on his paper.
(Drops letter and looks at him quietly) It is your chance
for fortune.

Poe. I am not going, love