New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-02-20
THE BIRTHMARk.
Ely NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE.

In the latter part Of the last century
there lived a man of science, az eminent
proficient in every branch OF natural phil.
osophy, who not long before our story
opens had made experiences of spiritual
affinity more attratiye than any chemical
one. He had left his laboratory to the
care Of an assistant, cleared his fine coun-
tenance from the furnace smoke, washed
the stain of acids from his fingers, and
persuaded beautiful woman to become
his wife. III those days, when the com
paratively recent discovery of electricity
and other kindred mysteries of nature
seemed to open paths into the region of
miracle, it was not unusual for the love
OF science to rival the love Of woman in its
depth and absorbing energy. The higher
intellect, the imagination, the spirit, and
even the heart might all find their con-
genial aliment in pursuits which, as some
of their ardent votaries believed, would
ascend from one step of powerful intelli-
gence to another, until the philosopher
should lay his hand on the secret of crea.
tive force and perhaps make new worlds
for himself. We know not whether Ayl-
mer possessed this decree OF faith in
mans ultimate control over nature. He
had devoted himself, however, too unre-
servedv to scientific studies ever to be
weaned from them by any second passion.
His love for his young wife might prove
the stronger Of the two; but it could only
be by INTERVIEWING itself with his love Of
science and uniting the strength of the
latter to his own.
Such a union accordingly took place,
and was attended with truly remarkable
consequences and deep impressive
moral. One day, very soon after their
marriage Aylmer sat gazing at his wife
with a trouble in his countenance that
grew stronger until he spoke.
'.Georgiana," said he, ''has it never oc-
Cured to you that the mark upon your
cheek might be removed"
NO, indeed" said she. smiling; but,
perceiving the seriousness Of his manner,
She blushed deeply $50 tell you the
truth, it has SO often been called ii charm,
that 1 was simple enough to imagine it
might be So"
.:Ab. upon an other face perhaps it
might. " replied her husband, ''but never
on yours No, dearest Georgiana, you
came SO nearly perfect ION the hands OF
nature that this slightest defect, which
We hesitate whether to term a defect Or
beauty. shocks me as being the visible
mark of earthly imperfection.
..Shocks you, my husband cried
Georgiana, deeply hurt, at first reddening
with momentary anger, but then bursting
into tears. "Then why did you take me
FROM my mothers side? You can not love
what shocks your
70 explain the conversation, 1t must De
mentioned that in the centre OF GeorS-
iana's cheek there was singular mark
deep interviewer, as it were, with the tex
ture and substance Of her face. In the
usual state Of her complexion-a healthy
though delicate bloom-the mark wore
tint Of deeper crimson, which perfectly
defined its shape amid the rosiness. "nen
ehe blushed it became gradually more IN
distinct and finally vanished amid the
flow Of blood that bathed the
whole cheek with its brilliant glow. but
+ any shifting emotion caused her to turn
Gale there was the mark again, crimson
tain upon the snow, in what Aiymer
,ometimes deemed an almost fearfui ais-
inctness. Its shape bore not httle
imilerity to the human hand, though
+ the smallest pigmy size. Georgianas