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.