Chapter 4: When Mistress Prynne
was returned to the prison, she was in such mental disarray that the jailer, Master Brackett, decided
to call in the physician. Roger Chillingworth, Hester's real husband, introduces himself as the
physician for Mistress Prynne and as soon as he enters the room, she goes perfectly still. Mr. Chillingsworth
was the same man who she saw when she was on the pillory. He began to examine the baby and Hester
expresses her concern that he will hurt the child as revenge on her. They talk about their failed
marriage, and how there was never love between them, and Roger tells her not to reveal to anyone who
he really was. After giving her a draught to calm her, he asks her who the father of the child
was. Again, as she did when asked by the Reverend, she refuses to give the name of the father.
At her refusal, he tells her that he will find out who the man is and that she not breathe a word of
his identity to anyone.
Chapter 5: Hester was released
from prison and free to go wherever she wished. Instead of fleeing the town she moved to a little
cottage outside of it, and supported herself with her needlework. She sewed for many different
people of the town but kept herself in plain clothing, save the letter upon her bosom. She took
all of the passion of her life and used it to ply her needle. Much of her work she donated to
the poor as penance for her guilt. Although they all coveted her services, she was still an outcast
looked upon with malice and her sin burned deep in her soul.
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