Bra. But it ’s beg or starve with you, eh? (Poe looks at him silently) Well, I should advise you to make application without loss of time to some one who does not know you quite so well as the new editor of The Comet. Good morning.
Poe. (Calling to him as he stands in door) I say, Brackett! (Brackett turns) I should advise you to change the name of The Comet as well as its editor. Suppose you call it The Falling Star? Ha! ha! (Exit Brackett) Curse me for a whining dog—but Virginia—
(Goes out)
Bookseller. (Arranging books) Queer chap. We public men get to know all sorts. That book will be mine yet. It ’s a good seller at ten dollars, and blest if I would n’t like to help the wretch out with fifty cents. He ’ll be back.
(Enter Helen)
Hel. I wish to buy the book the gentleman has just left with you.
Bookseller. Why ma’am, he ’s gone and took it with him.
Hel. Took it with him?
Bookseller. Yes, ma’am, and thereby I ’ve lost time and trade. (Aside) She ’d give fifteen!
Hel. He needed money?