.

Vir. If you go now it means success, if you wait failure.

Poe. I shall not go, Virginia.

Vir. If you were not married you would go.

Poe. Then I am glad I can not go.

Vir. But you _can_ go, Edgar.

Poe. My darling, I will never take you away from your mocking
birds and roses. Don't you think any more about it. Run
away now and find me a flower. You will have to look sharp
under the leaves, for the wind is whistling to-day. Our
little sham winter has begun to bluster. (Exit Virginia)
She shall not suffer. She shall not! Though my heart
surges like a prisoned sea hers shall not move her bosom's
alabaster!... Why didn't I burn that letter. (Throws it
into the fire. Take up the other one) I must keep the
lawyer's. I shall need it. (Puts it in his pocket) Now
work--work--work--(Resumes writing) '_The Kingdom of the
Sun is peopled with beings whose distinguishing attribute
is color instead of form as with us. This color varies
with each thought of the spirit that it invests, and also
with the eye that beholds it. There is no need to pellet
the ear with rude words, for the most refined meanings and
emotions are conveyed by these subtle variations of color
coming and going like breathing light. Were--_' (Enter
Mrs. Clemm)

Mrs. C. Edgar, dear, your breakfast has been waiting two hours.

Poe. O, thank you, aunt. Don't trouble about me this morning. I
shall want nothing.

Mrs. C. But, Edgar, my son, I must speak. You do not sleep and
eat as people should who wish to live long for those who
love them.

Poe. Dear aunt, pray--we'll talk about it some other time. I
_must_ work now!

Mrs. C. I am sorry to disturb you, love, but there is one question
I must ask you. Have you heard from the lawyer? (Poe is
silent) A letter came. I thought you would tell me, and
not force me to ask about what I must know. Is the place
sold?

Poe. No.

Mrs. C. But it will be? We must lose our home?

Poe. No, darling mother! I am going to pay off everything! This
very article I am writing will bring me fame if I finish
it. So please help me by not worrying one bit, and don't
let our Virgin