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           Shecouldrecognizeherwild,desperate,defiantmood,theflightinessofhertemper,andevensomeoftheverycloud-shapesofgloomanddespondencythathadbroodedinherheart.Theywerenowilluminatedbythemorningradianceofayoungchild’sdisposition,but,laterinthedayofearthlyexistence,mightbeprolificofthestormandwhirlwind.

           Thedisciplineofthefamilyinthosedayswasofafarmorerigidkindthannow.Thefrown,theharshrebuke,thefrequentapplicationoftherod,enjoinedbyScripturalauthority,wereused,notmerelyinthewayofpunishmentforactualoffences,butasawholesomeregimenforthegrowthandpromotionofallchildishvirtues.HesterPrynne,nevertheless,thelovingmotherofthisonechild,ranlittleriskoferringonthesideofundueseverity.Mindful,however,ofherownerrorsandmisfortunes,sheearlysoughttoimposeatenderbutstrictcontrolovertheinfantimmortalitythatwascommittedtohercharge.Butthetaskwasbeyondherskill.aftertestingbothsmilesandfrowns,andprovingthatneithermodeoftreatmentpossessedanycalculableinfluence,Hesterwasultimatelycompelledtostandasideandpermitthechildtobeswayedbyherownimpulses.Physicalcompulsionorrestraintwaseffectual,ofcourse,whileitlasted.Astoanyotherkindofdiscipline,whetheraddressedtohermindorheart,littlePearlmightormightnotbewithinitsreach,inaccordancewiththecapricethatruledthemoment.