Among the former he showed her a small vial, in which, he
remarked, was contained a gentle yet most powerful fragrance,
capable of impregnating all the breezes that blow across a kingdom.
They were of inestimable value, the contents of that little vial; and,
as he said so, he threw some of the perfume into the air, and filled
the room with piercing and invigorating delight.
"And what is this?" asked Georgiana, pointing to a small crystal
globe, containing a gold-colored liquid. "It is so beautiful to the
eye, that I could imagine it the Elixir of Life."
"In one sense it is," replied Aylmer, "or rather the Elixir of
Immortality. It is the most precious poison that ever was concocted in
this world. By its aid, I could apportion the life-time of any
mortal at whom you might point your finger. The strength of the dose
would determine whether he were to linger out years, or drop dead in
the midst of a breath. No king, on his guarded throne, could keep
his life, if I, in my private station, should deem that the welfare of
millions justified me in depriving him of it."
"Why do you keep such a terrific drug?" inquired Georgiana in
horror.
"Do not mistrust me, dearest!" said her husband, smiling; "its
virtuous potency is yet greater than its harmful one. But, see! here
is a powerful cosmetic.
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