Мхи старой усадьбы
The Birthmark
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"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.