Червона літера
The Elf–Child and the Minister
Theyoungminister,onceasingtospeakhadwithdrawnafewstepsfromthegroup,andstoodwithhisfacepartiallyconcealedintheheavyfoldsofthewindow-curtain;whiletheshadowofhisfigure,whichthesunlightcastuponthefloor,wastremulouswiththevehemenceofhisappeal.Pearl,thatwildandflightylittleelfstolesoftlytowardshim,andtakinghishandinthegraspofbothherown,laidhercheekagainstit;acaresssotender,andwithalsounobtrusive,thathermother,whowaslookingon,askedherself—"IsthatmyPearl?"Yetsheknewthattherewasloveinthechild’sheart,althoughitmostlyrevealeditselfinpassion,andhardlytwiceinherlifetimehadbeensoftenedbysuchgentlenessasnow.Theminister—for,savethelong-soughtregardsofwoman,nothingissweeterthanthesemarksofchildishpreference,accordedspontaneouslybyaspiritualinstinct,andthereforeseemingtoimplyinussomethingtrulyworthytobeloved—theministerlookedround,laidhishandonthechild’shead,hesitatedaninstant,andthenkissedherbrow.LittlePearl’sunwontedmoodofsentimentlastednolonger;shelaughed,andwentcaperingdownthehallsoairily,thatoldMr.Wilsonraisedaquestionwhetherevenhertiptoestouchedthefloor.
"Thelittlebaggagehathwitchcraftinher,Iprofess,"saidhetoMr.Dimmesdale."Sheneedsnooldwoman’sbroomsticktoflywithal!"
"Astrangechild!"remarkedoldRogerChillingworth."Itiseasytoseethemother’spartinher.
