"Pearl?--Ruby, rather--or Coral!--or Red Rose, at the very
least, judging from thy hue!" responded the old minister,
putting forth his hand in a vain attempt to pat little Pearl on
the cheek. "But where is this mother of thine? Ah! I see," he
added; and, turning to Governor Bellingham, whispered, "This is
the selfsame child of whom we have held speech together; and
behold here the unhappy woman, Hester Prynne, her mother!"
"Sayest thou so?" cried the Governor. "Nay, we might have
judged that such a child's mother must needs be a scarlet woman,
and a worthy type of her of Babylon! But she comes at a good
time, and we will look into this matter forthwith."
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Governor Bellingham stepped through the window into the hall,
followed by his three guests.
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