Червона літера

           TherewasasingularcircumstancethatcharacterisedMr.Dimmesdale’spsychologicalstateatthismoment.Allthetimethathegazedupwardtothezenith,hewas,nevertheless,perfectlyawarethatlittlePearlwashintingherfingertowardsoldRogerChillingworth,whostoodatnogreatdistancefromthescaffold.Theministerappearedtoseehim,withthesameglancethatdiscernedthemiraculousletter.Tohisfeatureastoallotherobjects,themeteoriclightimpartedanewexpression;oritmightwellbethatthephysicianwasnotcarefulthen,asatallothertimes,tohidethemalevolencewithwhichhelookeduponhisvictim.Certainly,ifthemeteorkindledupthesky,anddisclosedtheearth,withanawfulnessthatadmonishedHesterPrynneandtheclergymanofthedayofjudgment,thenmightRogerChillingworthhavepassedwiththemforthearch-fiend,standingtherewithasmileandscowl,toclaimhisown.Sovividwastheexpression,orsointensetheminister’sperceptionofit,thatitseemedstilltoremainpaintedonthedarknessafterthemeteorhadvanished,withaneffectasifthestreetandallthingselsewereatonceannihilated.

           "Whoisthatman,Hester?"gaspedMr.Dimmesdale,overcomewithterror."Ishiverathim!Dostthouknowtheman?Ihatehim,Hester!"

           Sherememberedheroath,andwassilent.

           "Itellthee,mysoulshiversathim!"mutteredtheministeragain.