Mrs. Del. Edgar Poe, Helen.
Mrs. Tru. You are going to give up Roger—Roger who has worshipped you since you were a baby, who has lived under the same roof and been a brother to you since you were two years old—you are going to give him up for a strange man—a man without a penny—a man you have seen but once—(Almost shrieking)—but once—(Rising)
Hel. (Crosses, and stands before her, speaking calmly) We know angels at first sight, mamma.
Mrs. Tru. (Grabbing Helen by the shoulders and staring at her) You have done it already! (Falls to chair as if fainting)
Hel. Soothe her, Catherine. I will get some wine. (Exit)
Mrs. Tru. (Sitting up, at once recovered) She ’s made up her mind. When her eyes shine like that it ’s no use to argue. And all of Roger’s fortune in Mr. Truelord’s hands! We ’ve considered it a family resource for years!
Mrs. Del. What a fool Roger was to bring Edgar Poe to the house!
Mrs. Tru. He ’s crazy about the man. Says he ’s a genius, and all that stuff.
Mrs. Del. Well, he is. But to introduce him to a girl like Helen! They ’ll be off before morning!
Mrs. Tru. Oh-h! Don’t, Kate! Roger actually wants me to ask him to stay in the house.