Soon , however , a singular change began to be visible . The crushed and dried petals stirred and assumed a deepening tinge of crimson , as if the flower were reviving from a deathlike slumber , the slender stalk and twigs of foliage became green , and there was the rose of half a century , looking as fresh as when Sylvia Ward had first given it to her lover . It was scarcely full-blown , for some of its delicate red leaves curled modestly around its moist bosom , within which two or three dewdrops were sparkling . `` That is certainly a very pretty deception , '' said the doctor 's friends -- carelessly , however , for they had witnessed greater miracles at a conjurer 's show . `` Pray , how was it effected ? '' `` Did you never hear of the Fountain of Youth ? '' asked Dr. Heidegger , `` which Ponce de Leon , the Spanish adventurer , went in search of two or three centuries ago ? '' `` But did Ponce de Leon ever find it ? '' said the widow Wycherly . `` No , '' answered Dr. Heidegger , `` for he never sought it in the right place . The famous Fountain of Youth , if I am rightly informed , is situated in the southern part of the Floridian peninsula , not far from Lake Macaco . Its source is overshadowed by several gigantic magnolias which , though numberless centuries old , have been kept as fresh as violets by the virtues of this wonderful water . An acquaintance of mine , knowing my curiosity in such matters , has sent me what you see in the vase . '' `` Ahem ! '' said Colonel Killigrew , who believed not a word of the doctor 's story ; `` and what may be the effect of this fluid on the human frame ? '' `` You shall judge for yourself , my dear colonel , '' replied Dr. Heidegger . -- `` And all of you , my respected friends , are welcome to so much of this admirable fluid as may restore to you the bloom of youth . For my own part , having had much trouble in growing old , I am in no hurry to grow young again . With your permission , therefore , I will merely watch the progress of the experiment . '' While he spoke Dr. Heidegger had been filling the four champagne-glasses with the water of the Fountain of Youth .
It was apparently impregnated XXXXX an effervescent gas , for little bubbles were continually ascending from the depths of the glasses and bursting in silvery spray at the surface .
While around as at de from if in on with