Алая буква
The Recognition
Thefeelingthatitsoevidentlymanifested,ratherthanthedirectpurportofthewords,causedittovibratewithinallhearts,andbroughtthelistenersintooneaccordofsympathy.EventhepoorbabyatHester’sbosomwasaffectedbythesameinfluence,foritdirecteditshithertovacantgazetowardsMr.Dimmesdale,andheldupitslittlearmswithahalf-pleased,half-plaintivemurmur.Sopowerfulseemedtheminister’sappealthatthepeoplecouldnotbelievebutthatHesterPrynnewouldspeakouttheguiltyname,orelsethattheguiltyonehimselfinwhateverhighorlowlyplacehestood,wouldbedrawnforthbyaninwardandinevitablenecessity,andcompelledtoascendthescaffold.
Hestershookherhead.
"Woman,transgressnotbeyondthelimitsofHeaven’smercy!"criedtheReverendMr.Wilson,moreharshlythanbefore."Thatlittlebabehathbeengiftedwithavoice,tosecondandconfirmthecounselwhichthouhastheard.Speakoutthename!That,andthyrepentance,mayavailtotakethescarletletteroffthybreast."
"Never,"repliedHesterPrynne,looking,notatMr.Wilson,butintothedeepandtroubledeyesoftheyoungerclergyman."Itistoodeeplybranded.Yecannottakeitoff.AndwouldthatImightendurehisagonyaswellasmine!"
"Speak,woman!"saidanothervoice,coldlyandsternly,proceedingfromthecrowdaboutthescaffold,"Speak;andgiveyourchildafather!"
"Iwillnotspeak!"answeredHester,turningpaleasdeath,butrespondingtothisvoice,whichshetoosurelyrecognised.
