ourse, my enemies referred the insanity to the drink,
rather than the drink to the insanity."

Although Poe's word is not always to be taken in regard to his own
affairs, this doubtless describes his feelings over Virginia's condition
quite truthfully; and whether the drinking was cause or effect we shall
probably never really know.

During one of the periods of Virginia's improved health Poe took her and
went to New York, leaving Mrs. Clemm behind to settle up domestic
affairs. In a letter which he wrote to his mother-in-law, we have a
glimpse of the kindlier side of the man's nature and of his real
affection for this devoted friend, as well as some hints of the straits
of poverty to which they had been accustomed, by the fulness of his
descriptions of the plenty upon which they had fallen. He is speaking of
his boarding-house:--

"I wish Catarina [the cat] could see it; she would faint. Last
night for supper we had the nicest tea you ever drank,--strong and
hot,--wheat and rye bread, cheese, tea-cakes (elegant--a great
dish), two dishes of elegant ham and two of cold veal, piled up
like a mountain and large slices, three dishes of the cakes, and
everything in the greatest profusion. No fear of starving here. The
landlady seemed as if she couldn't press us enough, and we were at
home directly. For breakfast we had excellent-flavored coffee, hot
and strong,--not very clear and no great deal of
cream,--veal-cutlets, elegant ham and eggs, and nice bread and
butter. I never sat down to a more plentiful or a nicer breakfast.
I wish you could have seen the eggs and the great dishes of meat.
Sis is delighted, and we are both in excellent spirits. She has
coughed hardly any, and had no night-sweat. She is now busy mending
my pants, which I tore against a nail. I went out last night and
bought a skein of silk, a skein of thread, two buttons, a pair of
slippers, and a tin pan for the stove. The fire kept all night. We
have now got four dollars and a half left. To-morrow I am going to
try and borrow three dollars, so that I may have a fortnight to go
upon. I feel in excellent spirits, and haven't drank a drop--so
that I hope soon to get out of trouble. The very instant I scrape
together enough money I will send it on. You can't imagine how much
we both do miss you. Sissy had a hearty cry last night because you