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!... O, I was mad to come here!... She will never forgive me! (Falls on the couch and lies motionless. After a moment enter Mrs. Delormis.)
Mrs. Del. Where is the wild man?... Oh, he has fainted! The wine! (Goes to the table and pours wine)
Poe. Oh!
(Mrs. Delormis turns to him. He rises ceremoniously, with effort) Well?
Mrs. Del. Well, indeed! Here I am to your rescue, and you reward me with a ‘well’ (mimicking) up to ceiling.
Poe. What are they saying to her? I must go to her! I must!
Mrs. Del. Must not! Listen! (Grasps his arm to detain him)