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The Elf–Child and the Minister
Woulditbebeyondaphilosopher’sresearch,thinkye,gentlemen,toanalysethatchild’snature,and,fromitmakeamould,togiveashrewdguessatthefather?"
"Nay;itwouldbesinful,insuchaquestion,tofollowtheclueofprofanephilosophy,"saidMr.Wilson."Bettertofastandprayuponit;andstillbetter,itmaybe,toleavethemysteryaswefindit,unlessProvidencerevealitofitsownaccordThereby,everygoodChristianmanhathatitletoshowafather’skindnesstowardsthepoor,desertedbabe."
Theaffairbeingsosatisfactorilyconcluded,HesterPrynne,withPearl,departedfromthehouse.Astheydescendedthesteps,itisaverredthatthelatticeofachamber-windowwasthrownopen,andforthintothesunnydaywasthrustthefaceofMistressHibbins,GovernorBellingham’sbitter-temperedsister,andthesamewho,afewyearslater,wasexecutedasawitch.
"Hist,hist!"saidshe,whileherill-omenedphysiognomyseemedtocastashadowoverthecheerfulnewnessofthehouse."Wiltthougowithusto-night?Therewillbeamerrycompanyintheforest;andIwell-nighpromisedtheBlackManthatcomelyHesterPrynneshouldmakeone."
"Makemyexcusetohim,sopleaseyou!"answeredHester,withatriumphantsmile."Imusttarryathome,andkeepwatchovermylittlePearl
