Мхи старої садиби
The Birthmark
Amongtheformerheshowedherasmallvial,inwhich,heremarked,wascontainedagentleyetmostpowerfulfragrance,capableofimpregnatingallthebreezesthatblowacrossakingdom.Theywereofinestimablevalue,thecontentsofthatlittlevial;and,ashesaidso,hethrewsomeoftheperfumeintotheairandfilledtheroomwithpiercingandinvigoratingdelight.
"Andwhatisthis?"askedGeorgiana,pointingtoasmallcrystalglobecontainingagold-coloredliquid."ItissobeautifultotheeyethatIcouldimagineittheelixiroflife."
"Inonesenseitis,"repliedAylmer;"or,rather,theelixirofimmortality.Itisthemostpreciouspoisonthateverwasconcoctedinthisworld.ByitsaidIcouldapportionthelifetimeofanymortalatwhomyoumightpointyourfinger.Thestrengthofthedosewoulddeterminewhetherheweretolingeroutyears,ordropdeadinthemidstofabreath.NokingonhisguardedthronecouldkeephislifeifI,inmyprivatestation,shoulddeemthatthewelfareofmillionsjustifiedmeindeprivinghimofit."
"Whydoyoukeepsuchaterrificdrug?"inquiredGeorgianainhorror.
"Donotmistrustme,dearest,"saidherhusband,smiling;"itsvirtuouspotencyisyetgreaterthanitsharmfulone.Butsee!hereisapowerfulcosmetic.Withafewdropsofthisinavaseofwater,frecklesmaybewashedawayaseasilyasthehandsarecleansed.Astrongerinfusionwouldtakethebloodoutofthecheek,andleavetherosiestbeautyapaleghost."
"Isitwiththislotionthatyouintendtobathemycheek?"askedGeorgiana,anxiously.
