Evening journal., 1892-09-03
CHAPTER WI



was hidden another name, which its
former wcarcr had resolved should never |
more be spoken. 1t has been related
how. III the crowd that witnessed Hester
PIynne's ignominious exposure, stood
man, elderly, travel worn, who. just
emerging from the perilous wilderness,
beheld the woman. ia whom he hoped to
find embodied the warmth and cheerful
ness of horne, set up as type of sin be-
fore tho people. Fer matronly fame was
.rodden under all mems feet Infamy
was babbling around her ia the pubic
market place. For her kindred, should
The tidings ever reach them, and for the
companions Of her unspotted life there
remained nothing but the contagion Of
lor dishonor, which would net fail to be
distributed in strict accordance and pro
portion with tho intimacy and sacred
ness Of their previous relationship. &.
Then why-since the choice was with
himself-should the individual whose
connection with the fallen woman had
been the most intimate and sacred Of
them ALL come forward to vindicate his
claim to an inheritance SO little desir-
able? lie resolved not TO be pilloried
Beside her on her pedestal Of shame
Unknown to al but Hester Prynne, and
possessing the lock and key Of her
silence, he chose to Withdraw his name
from the RON Of mankind, and, as re-
sarded his former ties and interests, to
Yanish ont Of life rs completely as if he
indeed lay at tho bottom Of the ocean,
whittier rumor had long ago consigned
aim. THIS purpose once effected, new
interests would Immediately spring up,
and likewise a new purpose; dark, it is
rue, if not guilty, but Of force enough
20 engage the full strength Of his facul-
Eies
In pursuance Of this resolve he took
ap his residence in the Puritan town, as
Roger Chilhngworth, without other in
PRODUCTION man the learning and intell
gence Of which he possessed more than
o common measure. As his studies at a
| previous period Of bis life had made him
extensively acquainted with the medical
science Of the day. it was as a physician
shat he presented himself, and as such
was cordially received. Skillful mon Of
the medical and chirurgical profession
were Of rare occurrence in the colony
lis form grew emaciated. his voice.
/ though still rich and sweet, had q GER
tain melancholy prophecy Of decay ia it
/ He was often observed on any slight
alarm or other sudden accident to put
his hand over his heart, with irst a
flush and then a paleness, indicative Of
pain.
! Such was the young ciergyman's con
! dition, and so imminent the prospect
that his dawning light would be extin-
! guished, all untimely, when Roger
| Chillingworth made his advent to the
town. His first entry on the scene, few
| people could tell whence, dropping
down. as it were, out Of the sky or
starting from the neither earth, had an
aspect of mystery which was easily
heightened to the miraculous. He was
now known to be a man of skill. 1t was
observed that he gathered herbs and
the blossoms Of wild flowers, and
dug up roots and plucked Off twigs from
the forest trees, like one acquainted
with hidden virtues in what was value
less to common eyes.
lie was heard to speak Of Sir Kenelm
| Digby and other famous men-whosc
scientific attainments were esteemed
hardly less than supernatural-as hav.
ing been his correspondents or associates.
| Why, with such rank in the learned
| world, had he come hither? What could
he, whose sphere was in great cities. be
seeking in the wilderness In answer
to this query a rumor gained ground
/ and however absurd, was entertained
by some very sensible pcople-thai
heaven had wrought an absolute miracle
by transporting an eminent doctor d
physic from German university bodily
through the air and setting him dow
1t the door Of Mr.. Dimmesdale's stud,
Individuals Of wiser faith, indeed who
lnew that heaven promotes its purpose.
without aiming 1T the stage effect q
what is called miraculous interposition
were inclined TO see q providential hand
in Roger Chillingworths so opportun,
arrival
This idea was countenanced by the
strong interest which the physician evei
manifested IN the young Clergyman; h'
attached himself to him as parishioner
and sought to win friendly regard ant
confidence from his naturally reserved
sensibility He expressed great alarm
| at his pastors state Of health but wa
anxious to attempt tho cure. and i
early undertaken, seemed not despond
ent Of a favorable result. The elders
the deacons, the motherly DANES ant
the young and fair maidens Of Mr. Dim
mesdale's flock were alike importunat
that he should make trial of the physi
clans frankly offered skill Mr.. Dim
mesdale gently repelled their entreaties
81 need no medicine" said he
But how could the young ministe
say so when, with every successive Sab
bath, his check was paler and tlhnne
and his voice more tremulous than be
fore-when it had now become a con
slant habit, rather than a casual gesture
to press his hand over his heart? Wa
he weary Of his lahors? Did he wish q
dep These questions were solemnly pro
pounded TO MIR. Dimmesdalc by the eide