Мхи старої садиби

           "

           "Yes,master,"answeredAminadab,lookingintentlyatthelifelessformofGeorgiana;andthenhemutteredtohimself,"Ifsheweremywife,I’dneverpartwiththatbirthmark."

           WhenGeorgianarecoveredconsciousnessshefoundherselfbreathinganatmosphereofpenetratingfragrance,thegentlepotencyofwhichhadrecalledherfromherdeathlikefaintness.Thescenearoundherlookedlikeenchantment.Aylmerhadconvertedthosesmoky,dingy,sombrerooms,wherehehadspenthisbrightestyearsinreconditepursuits,intoaseriesofbeautifulapartmentsnotunfittobethesecludedabodeofalovelywoman.Thewallswerehungwithgorgeouscurtains,whichimpartedthecombinationofgrandeurandgracethatnootherspeciesofadornmentcanachieve;andastheyfellfromtheceilingtothefloor,theirrichandponderousfolds,concealingallanglesandstraightlines,appearedtoshutinthescenefrominfinitespace.ForaughtGeorgianaknew,itmightbeapavilionamongtheclouds.AndAylmer,excludingthesunshine,whichwouldhaveinterferedwithhischemicalprocesses,hadsupplieditsplacewithperfumedlamps,emittingflamesofvarioushue,butallunitinginasoft,impurpledradiance.Henowkneltbyhiswife’sside,watchingherearnestly,butwithoutalarm;forhewasconfidentinhisscience,andfeltthathecoulddrawamagiccircleroundherwithinwhichnoevilmightintrude.

           "WhereamI?Ah,Iremember,"saidGeorgiana,faintly;andsheplacedherhandoverhercheektohidetheterriblemarkfromherhusband’seyes.

           "Fearnot,dearest!"exclaimedhe.