(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 Sun there is a central creating light that plays upon these color-beings with its own transmuting—’
(Re-enter Mrs. Clemm, bearing a tray)
Mrs. C. My dear, I ’ve brought you some toast and an egg.
Poe. (Jumping up and staring at her) They don’t eat toast and eggs in the Kingdom of the Sun!