Doth Thou Not Love Thee?

In a mood of tenderness that was not usual with pearl, she drew down her mother's head and kissed her brow on both her cheeks. She then put up her mouth and kissed the scarlet letter too. That was not kind, said hester, when thou hast shown me a little love, thou mockest me. But whether influenced by the jealousy that seems instinctive with every petted child towards a dangerous rival, or from whatever caprice of her freakish nature, pearl would show no favour to the clergyman. It was only by an exertion of force that her mother brought her up to him, hanging back and manifesting her reluctance by odd grimaces. And now