ia suspect anything.

Mrs. C. It would kill her! O, Edgar, I have been wanting to tell
you how grateful I am to you for your gentleness to her.
Though she looks so strong, she has been frail from her
birth. I know that she must die early. I ought to have
told you--that day--but I could think of nothing. You will
forgive me, Edgar? She is such a child. I wonder at your
patience. But you will never be impatient with her, Edgar?

Poe. If I am, may God that moment end my villain's life! Go
now, sweet mother, for I must work, and remember that you
are to be troubled about nothing. (Exit Mrs. Clemm, right,
rear) Goodbye, Art! Thou pure chrystalline dream! I must
turn my brain into a mint and coin money! O, Poesy, thou
only divine mistress given to man, some day I will return
to thee! (Writes) '_Were zephyrs made visible by means of
ever changing hues--_' (Bony and Tat rush into the room.
Poe glares at them with a face of fury. They turn to fly
panic-stricken. Tat trips on a chair and lies moaning. Poe
goes to her)

Poe. (Gently) Are you hurt, Tatsy?

Bony. (At door, turning back, suddenly impudent at sound of
Poe's softened voice) She jes sullin', Mars Edgah. She
play possum like dat wid me!

Poe. Get out, you little imp! (Bony vanishes) Where are you
hurt, Tatsy? (She moans bitterly) Poor little girl! Her
foot is twisted. A sprain perhaps. (Picks her up and
carries her to sofa) Never mind! I've got a fairy in a
bottle will cure that in a jiffy. Just rub it on, and ho,
Tatsy is well again!

(Enter Zurie, Bony clinging to her)

Zu. Wha' my chile? Lawdy God, my chile sho' 'nuf hurt! (Goes
to Tatsy)

Poe. It's the foot, Zurie. Be careful!

Zu. Yas, I's seen dat foot befoh! (Gives foot a yank) Dat's
her ol' trick, Mars Edgah. She jes foolin' yo'! Don' yo'
be so soft hearted next time. Yo' jes take her by de back
ob de neck and wring her head off!

Poe. I certainly will!

(Exit Zurie, drawing Tat. Poe goes back to his work.
Groans, and looks with desperation at his manuscript)

Poe. O, if this eludes me! I must not lose it now! (Writes)
'_In this Kingdom of the Su