Nathaniel Hawthorne · 1837 · B1 · ≈ 16 min
Doctor Heidegger's Experiment
Глава 2 — The strange office and the rose
On another wall hung a painting of the young woman Doctor Heidegger was to have married long ago. But she died the night before their wedding after drinking one of the doctor's medicines. The most mysterious object in the room was a large book covered in black leather. It was said to be a book of magic.
On the summer afternoon of our story, a black table stood in the middle of the room. On it was a beautiful cut-glass vase. Four glasses were also on the table.
Doctor Heidegger was known for his unusual experiments. But his four guests did not expect anything very interesting.
The doctor picked up his black leather book of magic. From its pages he removed a dried-up old rose.
"This rose," said the doctor, "was given to me fifty-five years ago by Sylvia Ward, whose painting hangs on this wall. I was to wear it at our wedding. Would you think it possible that this ancient rose could ever bloom again?"