he door which neither hears. Enter Helen. As Poe
turns to approach the bed he faces her, stares, and lets
the glass drop shivering)

Poe. You!

Hel. I, Edgar. You see I can remember my friends--and I've come
to scold you for not--letting me know--

Poe. It was you who sent--

Hel. Some blankets soft as summer clouds for the most beautiful
lady in the world? And wine delicate enough for a fairy's
throat? I knew you would not have it else. (Turns to Mrs.
Clemm) You do not know me, but--

Mrs. C. (Taking her hand) I know you are a good woman reaching a
hand to me in my sorrow.

Hel. (Embracing her) No ... my arms!

(Poe goes to bed and kneels by Virginia. Speaks softly to
her, then rises and brings a little wine)

Poe. Just a drop, dear,--a butterfly's portion.

(Virginia drinks)

Hel. (To Mrs. Clemm) How is she?

Mrs. C. She will have but one more word for us--goodbye.

Hel. Can I--may-- O, you must let me do something for her--for
you! Do not make me miserable by saying there is nothing I
can do.

Mrs. C. There is ... something. I have never begged--

Hel. Do not use such a word. It is you who give--make me happy.

Mrs. C. But I will beg this. Some linen for her last robe.

Hel. God bless you for telling me!

Poe. (Rising from his knees by Virginia) Helen, Virginia would
speak to you.

Hel. O, save the precious breath! (Approaches bed) Ah ... how
lovely ... I understand....

Vir. (Lifting her head) Helen ... help my Edgar. (Sinks back.
Poe lays his head on her pillow. Helen stands with her arm
about Mrs. Clemm. Curtain falls, and rises on same room at
night. Virginia's body lies on the bed. Poe watches alone.
A candle burns on table)

Poe. (Standing by bed) ... So low in sleep, little girl?... I
took thee mid thy roses. O, broken gentleness, little
saint-love, move but a hand, a finger, to tell me thou art
still my pleading angel!... Not one breath's life. Still
... quite still. O, might such rest be mine! (Turns away)
I'll write. (Goes to table) I promised. Yes ... I'll
write. Behind the glorious chancel of the mind still
swings the incense to the deathless gods!... (Sits