Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-04-13


question TO Mr.. Hooper. wherefore he did
this thing. Hitherto, whenever there
appeared the slightest call for such inter
ference, he had never lacked advisers,
nor shown himself ayerse TO be guided
by their judgment. II he erred at all, it
was by so painful degree of self dstrust'
that even the mildest censure would lead
him TO consider an indifferent action as a
crime. Yet. though so well acquainted
with this amiable weakness, no individual
among his parishouers chose TO make The
black veil subject OF friendly remons-
trance. There WAS a feeling OF dread
neither plainly confessed nor carefully
concealed. which caused each to shit the
responsibility upon another, I'LL at length
it was found expedient TO send deputa
ton of the church. in orde: 10 deal with
Mr.. Hooper about the mystery, before it
should grow into scandal. Never did
any embassy so i'll discharge its duties.
The minister received them with friendly
courtesy. but became silent. alter they
were seated. leaving TO his visitors the
whole burden OF introducing their i'm
portant business. The topic. il might be
supposed, was obvious enough. There
was the black veil, swathed round Mr.
/ Hoopers forehead. and concealing every
feature above his placid mouth, on which
at times, they could perceive the glim-
mering OF a melancholy smile. But that
piece OF Grape. TO their imagination,
seemed to hang down before his heart.
the symbol OF Il fearful secret between
him and them. Were the veil bu cast
aside, they might speak freely oi 1t, but
but not till then. Thus they sat con
siderable time. speechless. confused. and
shrinking uneasily from Mr.. Hooper's
eve. which they felt to be fixed upon
them with an invisible glance. Finally.
the deputies returned abashed to their
constituents pronouncing the matter too
weighty to be handled, except by coun
Gil OF the churches. If, indeed. it might
not require a general synod.
But there was one person in the village
unappal,ed by the awe with which the
black veil had impressed all beside her
self. When the Deputies returned without
an explanation. or even venturing To
demand one, she, with the calm energy
of her character, determined 10 chase
away the strange cloud that seemed TO be
settling round Mr.. Hooper. every moment
more darkly than before. As his plighted
wife, II should be her privilege 10 know
what the black veil concealed. AT the
minister's first visit. ther eiore, she entered
upon the subject, with direct simplicity.
which made the task easier both for him
and her. After he had seated himself.
she fixed her eyes steadily upon the veil.
but could discern nothing oil the dreadful
gloom hat had so overawed the multitude
it was but double fold oil Grape hang
ing down from his forehead TO his mouth
and slightly stirring with his breath.
NO." said she aloud, and smiling,
There is nothing terrible in this
piece OF Grape. except that it hides facs
which am always GLAD TO look upon.
Come. good sir. let the sun shine from
behind the cloud. First lay aside your
black veil, then tell me why you put 1t
on"
Mr.. Hooper's smile glimmered family.
There is an hour TO come" said he,
when all Of US shall cast aside our wells.
Take Ii not amiss. beloved friend. II |
wear this piece OF Grape till then"
Your words are a mystery. too.
returned The young lady. Take away
the veil from them at least"
elizabeth, WILL" said he. so far as
my vow may suffer me. Know, then,
this veil is a type and symbol, and am
bound 10 wear il ever. both in light and
darkness in solitude and before the gaze
of multitudes, and as with strangers. so
with my familiar friends. No mortal
eve can see it withdrawn. This dismal
shade must separate me from the world;
even you, Elizabeth, can never come
behind it I"
What grievous affliction has beiallen
you," she earnestly inquired. THAT YOU
should thus darken your eyes forever?'
"If 1t be sign OF mourning" replied
Mr.. Hooper, II. perhaps. like most other
mortals. have sorrows dark enough TO be
typitled by black VEIL"
"But what if the world will not believe
that il is the type of an innocent sorrow ?"
urged Elizabeth. Beloved and respec-
ted as you are. there may be whisper.
that you hide your face under the con-
sciousness OF secret sin. For the sake af
your holy Office do away this scandal"
The color rose into her cheeks, as she
intimated the nature of the rumols that
were already abroad in the village. But
Mr.. Hoopor's mildness did not torsake
him. lie even smiled again-that same
sad smile, which always appeared like
faint glimmering of light, proceeding
from the obscurity beneath the veil.
III hide my face for sorrow, there is
cause enough. "he merely replied; "and
If cover it Tor secret sin. what mortal
mioht not do the samein