a
flash and dead in an hour--these I have had, while my
heart was crying from its depths for the firmly founded
love that shakes but with the globe itself.

Mrs. C. (Taking his head on her breast) My dear Edgar! You will
be my son--Virginia's brother!

Poe. (Lifting his face smiling) I _will_ be happy! No more of
that solitude lighted only by the eyes of ghouls! Here I
have come into the light. I have found the sun. I see what
my work should be--what Art is. She is beauty and joy. Her
light should fall on life like morning on the hills. The
clouds of passion and agony should never darken her face.
O, I can paint her now ready for the embrace of the soul!

Mrs. C. I can not see things with your rapturous eyes, Edgar,
but I know that your work will be noble, and I love you.

Poe. O, aunt, you and this little wonder-witch have enchanted
me back to happiness. I promise you never again shall you
see a tear on my face or a frown on my brow. (Virginia,
looking toward the road, bows as to some one passing)

Poe. Blushing, cousin? Who is worth such a rosy flag? (Stands
up and looks down the road) Brackett! I do believe!

Mrs. C. You know him, Edgar? He is staying with my
brother-in-law, Nelson Clemm, for a short time, and has
asked to call on us--on Virginia, I mean, for of course I
don't count, now that my little girl is suddenly turned
woman.

Poe. Don't for Heaven's sake!

Mrs. C. You don't like him, Edgar?

Poe. Like him! We were at West Point together. He refused to
accept a challenge after slandering me vilely, and I was
obliged to thrash him. That's all. (Turns suddenly to
Virginia) And you were blushing for him!

Vir. It was not because I like him, Edgar.

Poe. (Looking into her eyes) You are a wise little piece.

Mrs. C. This is painful, Edgar. Of course he must not call.

Poe. Call! Let him but look toward the house again, and I'll
give him a drubbing that will make him forget the first
one! The coward! He wouldn't meet me--after--

Vir. How about the frowns, Edgar?

Poe. (Smiling) Let him go!

Mrs. C. You should not make such bitter enemies at the beginning
of life, my boy.

Poe. He c