Алая буква
The Child at the Brookside
Atlength,assumingasingularairofauthority,Pearlstretchedoutherhand,withthesmallforefingerextended,andpointingevidentlytowardshermother’sbreast.Andbeneath,inthemirrorofthebrook,therewastheflower-girdledandsunnyimageoflittlePearl,pointinghersmallforefingertoo.
"Thoustrangechild!whydostthounotcometome?"exclaimedHester.
Pearlstillpointedwithherforefinger,andafrowngatheredonherbrow—themoreimpressivefromthechildish,thealmostbaby-likeaspectofthefeaturesthatconveyedit.Ashermotherstillkeptbeckoningtoher,andarrayingherfaceinaholidaysuitofunaccustomedsmiles,thechildstampedherfootwithayetmoreimperiouslookandgesture.Inthebrook,again,wasthefantasticbeautyoftheimage,withitsreflectedfrown,itspointedfinger,andimperiousgesture,givingemphasistotheaspectoflittlePearl.
"Hasten,Pearl,orIshallbeangrywiththee!"criedHesterPrynne,who,however,inuredtosuchbehaviourontheelf-child’spartatotherseasons,wasnaturallyanxiousforamoreseemlydeportmentnow.
