! I, too, have hung upon the boundaries of the world to
catch God's flying dreams! O, trust me! Thou shalt fling
no lance but I will cast it on to gleam in a farther sun!
Bring me roses from Jupiter, I'll bring thee lilies from
Uranus! O,--

Poe. Mine, by Heaven! (Catches her to him) Here we'll begin the
immortal pilgrimage! We need not wait for death! From
world to world--

Hel. (Springing from him) It _is_ a step!
Go, Edgar! Go!

Poe. No! By the god in my bosom, you are mine from this moment!

Hel. My father! my father! He will tear me from you--You do not
know him!

Poe. I know he's mortal. Heaven could not part us. I will not
move!

(He is standing in the window. She hastily draws the
curtain before him)

Hel. Then keep your word!

(A knock at the door. Helen is silent)

Voice. Helen?

Hel. It is you, Roger? Come in.

(Roger enters, carrying a lamp. Looks about and sees
Helen.)

Rog. I heard voices.... Who was with you, Helen?... I could not
be mistaken.... (puts lamp on a table, and comes nearer
Helen.) Look at me, Helen.... I am your brother. Who was
here?... I know that Love has laid his mighty hand upon
you, but yet you are an angel. I thought--it was--his
voice.... Tell me what this means.... _He_ was not here!
O, I shall die when I learn that you are but a woman!

Poe. (Leaping out) I am here, sir, to defend that lady's honor!

Rog. (Staggers back, regains composure, and bows ironically) I
rejoice to hear it, sir, for you alone can do it. It is
wholly in your keeping. (Turns to go)

Hel. Roger!

Rog. Madam.

Hel. You forsake me?

Rog. You have forsaken yourself.

Hel. Oh! (Swoons. Poe bends over her wildly affectionate. Roger
stands apart, proud and despairing)

Poe. Helen! Speak! Speak to me!

Hel. Leave me! Leave me!

Poe. It is I, Helen! Your lover! Edgar!

Hel. You, you, I mean! (Rising) Thou wing of hell across my
life! Away from me!

(Poe stands back speechless with bewilderment. Roger goes
to Helen, takes her hand, and leads her from the room)

Poe. Lost! lost! lost! (Looks about the room) This place!...