Part 55 (1/2)

SCENE 2. The Same.

ACT IV.

SCENE 1. An old book store, New York.

SCENE 2. Poe's cottage, Fordham.

ACT V.

SCENE 1. Poe's lodging, Baltimore.

SCENE 2. A bar-room.

CHARACTERS

EDGAR ALLAN POE VIRGINIA CLEMM MRS. MARIA CLEMM HELEN TRUELORD MRS. TRUELORD ROGER BRIDGMORE NELSON CLEMM MRS. DELORMIS DOCTOR BARLOW MRS. SCHMIDT GEORGE THOMAS, Barkeeper HAINES, JUGGERS, SHARP, BLACK, gamblers BOOKSELLER MUM ZURIE, TAT, BONY, servants at Clemm cottage.

Gertrude, Mabel, Annie, Sallie, Dora, Gladys, Ethel, Alma, Allie, friends of Virginia.

THE POET

ACT I.

Scene: Room in the Truelord House. Helen lies on a couch before large windows, rear, reading by light from a small lamp on table near couch. She wears a loose robe over night-dress.

A light knock is heard at door, left centre.

Hel. (Sitting up) Mamma?

Voice. Yes, dear.

Hel. (Kissing book and closing it) Good-bye, my poet! (Drops book on couch and goes to door)

Voice, as Helen opens door.

I saw your light. (Enter Mrs. Truelord) Forgive me, love. I could not rest. (Helen is closing door) No!

Kate is coming.

Mrs. Delormis. (In door) Yes, I'm here, too, Helen.

Hel. Come in, Cousin Catherine.

(All three advance)

Mrs. Del.

Madela had a feminine version of the jim-jams--tea-nerves, you know--so must get us both up.

Hel. (Drawing forward a huge chair for Mrs. Truelord while Mrs.