Summary

The next chapter is titled “Report of Edgar A. Poe to Augustus Landor” and dated November 14th. Poe had hoped to get information about Artemus by spending time with the Marquis family. Ballinger seemed less hostile toward Poe. Poe was immediately attracted to Artemus's sister Lea. She played piano to entertain them. Artemus called on Poe to recite some poetry, and Lea seemed sad about the character of Poe's poem. Poe regaled her with tales of his travels. Ballinger called him out on one of his stories. Poe was surprised that Lea remained unmarried. He was impressed by her intelligence. Mrs. Marquis had an outburst and left the room. Dr. Marquis followed. Artemus and Ballinger were returning to campus together. Ballinger cast Poe a hateful look, making Poe realize Ballinger saw him as “a contender” for Lea's attention. This gave Poe the courage...