Part 56 (1/2)

What a fool Roger was to bring Edgar Poe to the house!

Mrs. Tru.

He's crazy about the man. Says he's a genius, and all that stuff.

Mrs. Del.

Well, he is. But to introduce him to a girl like Helen! They'll be off before morning!

Mrs. Tru.

Oh-h! Don't, Kate! Roger actually wants me to ask him to stay in the house.

Mrs. Del.

Idiot! He deserves to lose her.... But your guest!

(Laughs) Poor Madela! How he would upset your nice, comfortable theories of life! Why, you couldn't hand him a cup of tea without feeling the planet quake.

Mrs. Tru.

But what are we to do? Kate, you _must_ help me.

Mrs. Del.

I'm going to. You can't tell her father, because Helen must be persuaded, not opposed. And don't speak about the money. If she loved a beggar she would trudge barefoot behind him.

Mrs. Tru. (Despairingly) O, don't I know it?

Mrs. Del.

Now you leave this to me, Madela. I will say a few things to Helen about meeting Mr. Poe in Europe--and--you know--

Mrs. Tru. (Kissing her violently) O, Kate! Tell her all--and more, if necessary! Don't think about your reputation if you can save Roger's fortune--

Mrs. Del.

s.h.!.+--

(Enter Helen, with wine and a gla.s.s)

Mrs. Tru. (Feebly) Thank you, dear, but I'm better now. (Rising) I'll try to rest. (Goes to door)

Hel. I would see you to your room, mamma, but I'm sure you would rather have Catherine. (Mrs. Delormis makes no move to go)

Mrs. Tru.

O, I am quite well--I mean--I need no one--no one at all! Goodnight, my dears! (Exit)

Hel. (Politely) And is there anything which you must have out to-night, cousin Catherine?

Mrs. Del.

Sit down, Helen. (Helen takes a chair) You have never loved me, but I have always had a warm heart for you, little girl. And you will take a warning from me in good part, won't you?

Hel. A good warning, yes.

Mrs. Del.

I told you about meeting Mr. Poe last summer in Normandy. But--I did not tell you how often I met him.