Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-10-01

Cu CNCly CApCIjucuk III HIS SClcutluC Ca
reer. its original aim, the methods adopted
for its development, and its final success
or failure, with the circumstances to which
either event was attributable. The book,
in truth, was both the history and emblem
OF his ardent. ambitious, imaginative, yet
practical and laborious life. He handled
physical details as if there were nothing
beyond them; yet spirtualized them all,
and redeemed himself from materialism
by his strong and eager aspiration toward
the infinite. In his grasp the veriest clod
OF earth assumed soul. Georgiana. as
she read, reverenced Aylmer and loved
him more profoundly than ever, but with
less entire dependence on his judgment
than heretofore. Much as he had accom-
plished, she could not but observe that his
most splendid successes were almost inva-
at which he aimed. His brightest dia-
monds were the merest pebbles, and felt
to be so by himself, in comparison with
the inestimable which lay hidden beyond
his reach. The volume, rich with achieve
ments that had won renown for its au-
thor, was yet as melancholy a record as
ever mortal band had penned. 1t was the
sad confession and continual exemplifica-
tion of shortcomings Of the composite man,
the spirit burdened with clay and working
in matter, and of the despair that assails
the higher nature at finding itself so mis-
| erably thwarted by the earthly part. Per-
haps every man of genius, in whatever
sphere, might recognize the image of his
| own experience in Aylmer's journal
So deeply did these reflections affect
Georgiana, that she laid her face upon
the open volume and burst into tears. In
this situation she was found by her hus-
band.
lit is dangerous to read in sorcerer's
books" said he with smile. though his
countenance was uneasy and displeased.
"Georgiana, there are pages in that vol
ume which l can scarcely glance over and
keep my senses. Take heed lest it prove
as detrimental to you."
ut has made me worship you more
than ever" said she.
"Ah, wait for this one success" re-
joined he, "then worship me if you will. /
shall deem myself hardly unworthy of it..
But come, have sought you for the lux
ury of your voice. Sing to me. dearest. :"
So she poured out the liquid music of
her voice to quench the thirst of his spirit.
He then took his leave with boyish exu-
berance of gayety, assuring her that her
seclusion would endure but little longer.
and that the result was already certain.
Scarcely had he departed when Georgiana
felt irresistibly impelled 10 follow him.
She had forgotten to inform Aylmer of a
symptom which for two or three hours
past had begun to excite her attention. 1t
was sensation in the fatal birth-mark,
not painful, but which induced restless
ness throughout her system. fastening
after her husband, she intruded for the
first time into the laboratory.
The first thing that struck her eyes was
the furnace, that hot anG feverish worker,
with the intense glow of its fire. which by
the quantities of SCOT clustered above it
seemed to have been burning for ages.
Grafton. Around tho room were retorts,
tubes, cylinders. crucibles. and other ap-
paratus of chemical research. An cleo
trical machine stood ready for immediate
use. The atmosphere felt oppressively
close, and was tainted with gaseous odors
which had been tormented forth by the
processes of science. The severe and
homely simplicity of the apartment, with
its naked walls and brick pavement,
looked strange, accustomed as Georgiana
had become to the fantastic elegance Of
her boudoir. But what chiefly, indeed al
most solely. drew her attention, was the
aspect Of Alymer himself.
He was pale as death, anxious and ab-
sorbed. and hung over the furnace as if it
depended upon his utmost watchfulness
whether the liquid which it was distilling
should be the draught Of immortal happi-
ness or misery. How different from the
sanguine and joyous mein that he had as
sumed for Georgiana's encouragement
Carefully now. Aminadab carefully.
thou human machine carefully. thou man
of clay" muttered Aylmer, more TO him.
self than to his assistant. Now, if there
be thought too much or too little, it is
all over"
"Ho ho ."mumbled Amnadab. ''Look,
master look"
Aylmer raised his eyes hastily, and at
first Redeemed. then grew paler than,ever.
on beholding Georgiana. He rushed
towards her and seized her arm with a
grippe that left the print of his fingers up
on it.
"Why do you come hitherp Have you
no trust in your husband ?" cried he inn
petuously. Would you throw the blight