Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 June 1912 — POE STIFLED HIS WELCOME [ARTICLE]

POE STIFLED HIS WELCOME

Mechanical Actions of Distinguished Guest Astonished Servant, Host and. the Other Visitors. Todd, who had opened the door silently and crept in, ..laid his hand on his master's shoulder. “Marse George, can I speak to you a minute?” he whispered. The boy looked as if he had seen a ghost "Speak to me! Why haven’t you taken my message, Todd?” "Yes, sah —dat is—can’t ye step in de hall a minute, Marse George—novp —right away?” “The hall! —what for? —is there anything the matter?" St. George rose to his feet and followed Todd from the room. Something, evidently, had gone wrong—something demanding Instant attention, or Todd wouldn’t be scared out of his wits. Several minutes passed: Again the door swung wide, and a man, deathly pale, erect, faultlessly dressed in a full suit of black, the coat buttoned close to his chin, his cavernous eyes burning like coals of fire, entered on St. George’s arm and advanced toward the group. Every guest was on his feet In an Instant.

"We have him at last!” cried St. George in his cheeriest voice. “A little late, but doubly welcome. Mr. Poe, gentlemen.” Kennedy was the first to extend his hand, Horn crowding close, the others waiting their turn. Poe straightened his body,. focussed his eyes on Kennedy, shook his extended hand gravely, but without the slightest sign of recognition, and repeated the same cold greeting to each guest in the room. He spoke no word —did not open his lips—only the mechanical movement of his outstretched hand —a movement so formal that It stifled all exclamations of praise on the part of the guests or*even of welcome.—Scribner’s Magazine.