Summary

The next chapter is titled “Narrative of Gus Landor: 39.” Everyone rushes to Lea's side as she lies choking. Poe begs God for guidance. Artemus prepares to cut into Lea's airway. He recites the instructions from a medical perspective. Blood begins to flow. Everyone tears at their clothes to provide bandages. Lea says “I … love … you” (448). Though she is not looking directly at any of them, Landor says “each of us might have thought himself the beneficiary of those words” (448). Poe declares the death of a beautiful woman is “still a poet's noblest subject” (448). Mrs. Marquis shouts her anger, saying all this was pointless in the face of Lea's death. Landor hears Hitchcock yelling his name. Artemus takes a seat with Lea who appears to be dead. Mrs. Marquis says they have done all they could for Lea. Artemus says he will stay with...