Mrs. C. You make too much of these wanderings. Night and day are alike to him.
Vir. Ah, it is not the night that I fear!... Go, mamma! It is you who must rest. O, how we need these strong arms—this clear head! I shall nod in my chair for the thought of you getting your needed rest will bring the winks to my own eyes. Come! (Draws her toward stairway) I promise you that I will sleep in the big chair as snug and tight as kitty herself. (Kisses her)
Mrs. C. (On the stairs) I can not leave my sick child to watch. You ask me to do an inhuman thing, Virginia. I will not go.
Vir. Mother!... Do not let me hurt you ... the dearest, the most unselfish of mothers ... but it is better for me to meet my husband alone.
(Mrs. Clemm turns and goes slowly upstairs. Virginia goes back to fire)
Vir. Watch and pray! I can but watch and pray!... He said ’t was love he wanted ... and I brought him that ... love that shakes but with the globe itself. But it does not help ... ’t was all wrong ... all wrong! (Weeps. Rises, and busies herself about an oven on the hearth) Three times I have prepared his supper that it might be fresh enough to tempt him. But now ... I am so tired. I must try to keep this warm. The sight of it may make him angry ... but I must try. (Arranges some clothes on a chair) He will be so wet with the rain. Ah, I can do nothing ... nothing. (Looks toward door) He is coming! Strength, strength. O my God!
(Poe throws door open. Turns and speaks as if to companions outside)
Poe. Goodnight, goodnight, brave Beauty’s fearless angels! (Comes in) Well, Dame Venus, what thoughts for your hobbling Vulcan?
Vir. (Brightly) My Hermes, you mean. I ’m sure you’re feather-footed, you go so far and fast.
Poe. Why, sweet-mouth, a kiss for that! (Kisses her)