Алая буква
The New England Holiday
AswasusuallythecasewhereverHesterstood,asmallvacantarea—asortofmagiccircle—hadformeditselfabouther,intowhich,thoughthepeoplewereelbowingoneanotheratalittledistance,noneventuredorfeltdisposedtointrude.Itwasaforcibletypeofthemoralsolitudeinwhichthescarletletterenvelopeditsfatedwearer;partlybyherownreserve,andpartlybytheinstinctive,thoughnolongersounkindly,withdrawalofherfellow-creatures.Now,ifneverbefore,itansweredagoodpurposebyenablingHesterandtheseamantospeaktogetherwithoutriskofbeingoverheard;andsochangedwasHesterPrynne’sreputebeforethepublic,thatthematronintown,mosteminentforrigidmorality,couldnothaveheldsuchintercoursewithlessresultofscandalthanherself.
"So,mistress,"saidthemariner,"Imustbidthestewardmakereadyonemoreberththanyoubargainedfor!Nofearofscurvyorshipfeverthisvoyage.Whatwiththeship’ssurgeonandthisotherdoctor,ouronlydangerwillbefromdrugorpill;morebytoken,asthereisalotofapothecary’sstuffaboard,whichItradedforwithaSpanishvessel."
"Whatmeanyou?"inquiredHester,startledmorethanshepermittedtoappear
