Semiramis and Other Plays Part 55

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.

Delormis takes a smaller one) I was not in bed.

Mrs. Tru. (Looking toward bed in alcove, right) But you have been! You could not sleep either. Ah!

(Sighs deeply)

Hel. (Goes to couch) Now, mamma!

Mrs. Tru. (Embarra.s.sed by Helen's straightforward look) Helen--I--I've just got to have it out to-night. You are only my step-daughter, but I've loved you like my own.

Hel. (Quaintly) Yes.

Mrs. Tru.

Haven't I always treated you as if you were my daughter born?

Hel. (Slowly) You have indeed!

Mrs. Tru.

And I can't bear for you to--to--O, I just can't bear it, I say!

Hel. Bear what, mamma?

Mrs. Tru.

This--this man--

Mrs. Del.

Edgar Poe, Helen.

Mrs. Tru.

You are going to give up Roger--Roger who has wors.h.i.+pped you since you were a baby, who has lived under the same roof and been a brother to you since you were two years old--you are going to give him up for a strange man--a man without a penny--a man you have seen but once--(Almost shrieking)--but once--(Rising)

Hel. (Crosses, and stands before her, speaking calmly) We know angels at first sight, mamma.

Mrs. Tru. (Grabbing Helen by the shoulders and staring at her) You have done it already! (Falls to chair as if fainting)

Hel. Soothe her, Catherine. I will get some wine. (Exit)

Mrs. Tru. (Sitting up, at once recovered) She's made up her mind. When her eyes s.h.i.+ne like that it's no use to argue.

And all of Roger's fortune in Mr. Truelord's hands! We've considered it a family resource for years!

Mrs. Del.