e walks exactly to please
me--walks _exactly_ to please me. It's for you to say,
Maria, whether you'll stand in the way o' your own flesh
and blood or not.

Mrs. C. Of course, Nelson, I am very grateful, and do not dream
of depriving Virginia of this opportunity, only--

Mr. C. That's all there is to it then. No onlys about it. Go get
your hat, girl. (Virginia goes slowly into the house. At
the door she meets Zurie who turns back and goes in with
her)

Mrs. C. Now, Nelson?

Mr. C. It's just this. My brother's child shan't stay another
hour in the same house with Edgar Poe. That's the plain
tale of it, Maria.

Mrs. C. Nelson Clemm!

Mr. C. O, I've been hearin' things--I've been hearin'! He didn't
cover all his tracks at West Point--or New York either!

Mrs. C. Lies! All lies! Every one of them! He is the soul of
honor! Already Virginia loves him like a brother! I trust
her instinct! I trust my own!

Mr. C. O, I'm not arguin', I'm just doin'. You can't turn him
out, of course. Wouldn't do it myself. Nobody'll ever say
Nelse Clemm was an inhospitable dog! But I can look out
for Virginia, and I will. She goes with me now, or I'm
done with you and yours--and you know that mortgage ain't
paid off yet.

Mrs. C. Yes, she shall go. She ought to be in school and again
I thank you for helping us. But you are wronging my
nephew,--one of the noblest of men. You don't know him!

Mr. C. It's plain enough _you_ don't!

Mrs. C. Has Mr. Brackett--

Mr. C. Mr. Brackett is a guest in my house. Now, Maria, say what
you please. (Virginia comes out of cottage carrying a
small satchel) That's a good girl! We'll fix up a fine
trunk and send it after her, won't we, mother?

Vir. (Putting her arms about her mother's neck) He--wasn't in
the orchard, mama. Won't you say goodbye to him for me?

Mr. C. Come, come now! (Leads her away) Don't worry, Maria. I'll
drive you over to Bowville every Sunday Doctor Barlow
doesn't preach. (Half turning) By the by, I saw him down
the lane at the widow Simson's. Reckon he'll be along here
pretty soon. Seems to be on his widow's route to-day. Good
morning! (Exeunt)

Mrs. C. (Look