Poe. I don’t know,—and pardon if I say that just at this moment I don’t care!

(Gathers up papers and goes toward stairway in corner of room)

Annie. You need n’t run from us. I ’m sure we’re glad to go. I ’ll find Virginia.

Eth. And I ’ll write that note to Gladys while you’re gone. (Seats herself in Poe’s chair. Exit Annie, left, rear) Come back, if you want to, Edgar. You won’t disturb me at all. (Writes. Poe pauses on stairway and looks at her. Ethel lifts her eyes) You need n’t look so far to see me. I ’m not the North Pole! What are you thinking of, Edgar?

Poe. Of what Anacreon said to a fly that lighted on his brow when he was composing an ode to Venus.

Ethel. O! What was it?

Poe.

Away, thou rude and slight impertinence,
That with thy puny and detested bill
Dost think to feed on immortality.

(Goes upstairs)

Ethel. Beast! (Writes) Virginia spoils him. If I had him now I ’d soon make a nice comfortable husband out of him!... An envelope?... Yes.... (Takes one) Stamp?... Yes.... (Takes one) I ’ll get Bony to mail this for me.