Hester Prynne and the Reverend Mister Dimsdale

Chillingworth followed as one intimately connected with the drama of guilt and sorrow in which they had all been actors. The minister, leaning on hester's shoulder and supported by her arm around him ascend its steps while still the little hand of the sin born child was clasped in his old roger. Is not this better, murmured he, than what we dreamed in the forest? I know not. She hurriedly replied, better. So we may both die, and little pearl die with us. For thee and pearl, be it as god shall order, said the minister. And god is merciful. Let me now do the will which he hath made plain before my sight.