Алая буква
The Elf–Child and the Minister
Theoldclergyman,nurturedattherichbosomoftheEnglishChurch,hadalongestablishedandlegitimatetasteforallgoodandcomfortablethings,andhoweversternhemightshowhimselfinthepulpit,orinhispublicreproofofsuchtransgressionsasthatofHesterPrynne,still,thegenialbenevolenceofhisprivatelifehadwonhimwarmeraffectionthanwasaccordedtoanyofhisprofessionalcontemporaries.
BehindtheGovernorandMr.Wilsoncametwootherguests—one,theReverendArthurDimmesdale,whomthereadermayrememberashavingtakenabriefandreluctantpartinthesceneofHesterPrynne’sdisgrace;and,inclosecompanionshipwithhim,oldRogerChillingworth,apersonofgreatskillinphysic,whofortwoorthreeyearspasthadbeensettledinthetown.Itwasunderstoodthatthislearnedmanwasthephysicianaswellasfriendoftheyoungminister,whosehealthhadseverelysufferedoflatebyhistoounreservedself-sacrificetothelaboursanddutiesofthepastoralrelation.
TheGovernor,inadvanceofhisvisitors,ascendedoneortwosteps,and,throwingopentheleavesofthegreathallwindow,foundhimselfclosetolittlePearl.TheshadowofthecurtainfellonHesterPrynne,andpartiallyconcealedher.
"Whathavewehere?"saidGovernorBellingham,lookingwithsurpriseatthescarletlittlefigurebeforehim.
