In the latter part of the last century there lived a man of science, an eminent proficient in every branch of natural philosophy, who not long before our story opens had made experience of a spiritual affinity more attractive than any chemical one. He had left his laboratory to the care of an assistant, cleared his fine countenance from the furnace smoke, washed the stain of acids from his fingers, and persuaded a beautiful woman to become his wife. In those days when the comparatively 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 congenial aliment in pursuits which, as some of their ardent votaries believed, would ascend from one step of powerful intelligence to another, until the philosopher should lay his hand on the secret of creative force and perhaps make new worlds for himself. We know not whether Aylmer possessed this degree of faith in man's ultimate control over Nature. He had devoted himself, however, too unreservedly 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 intertwining 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 a deeply 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 occurred to you that the mark upon your cheek might be removed?"
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...when I was in grade school there was a classmate with a birthmark that covered half of her face. It was hard not to stare!
ReplyDeleteI knew somebody when I was little with a port wine stain on her face. You get to where you don't notice it.
DeleteWhen you begin to care for a person, you don't notice the physical "flaws"
ReplyDeleteWell, _we_ don't ;)
DeleteA facial mark is perhaps not beautiful but a bad character is always much worse. Valerie
ReplyDeleteAnd this particular birthmark sounds like a small one that just took up more and more space in his mind.
DeleteSounds like an interesting story to read.
ReplyDeleteA man obsessed.
DeleteI read this in an English class in college. We had a boy in school when I was young who had a birthmark over half his face, too. He was really cute. He asked me out on my very first date. We went bowling. But we had to walk for miles. I just lived too far away, I think. He's a very successful businessman today. Married with four kids...and probably grandkids by now. Sweet man.
ReplyDeleteThe man in this story was, I think, guilty of focusing on the speck in his wife when he himself had a log, to bring the Bible into it ;)
DeleteOh yes--definitely.
DeleteSome people, am I right? They just can't get past personal appearance. Like Trump, personal appearance is all that matters to some people. They miss so much.
DeleteIt's hard not to stare until you get to know the person. But to just pass them on the street, it's rather jarring.
ReplyDeleteThe man in this story seems to be unduly focused and more and more obsessed on a minor "blemish".
DeleteThere are some people who just seem unable to get past personal appearance.
ReplyDeleteIt is the person who matters not their appearance.
All the best Jan
^this^ It's a sad thing, but it's true.
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