But there was one person in the village unappalled by the awe
with which the black veil had impressed all beside herself. When the
deputies returned without an explanation, or even venturing to
demand one, she, with the calm energy of her character, determined
to chase away the strange cloud that appeared to be settling round Mr.
Hooper, every moment more darkly than before. As his plighted wife, it
should be her privilege to know what the black veil concealed. At
the minister's first visit, therefore, she entered upon the subject
with a direct simplicity, which made the task easier both for him
and her. After he had seated himself, she fixed her eyes steadfastly
upon the veil, but could discern nothing of the dreadful gloom that
had so overawed the multitude: it was but a double fold of crape,
hanging down from his forehead to his mouth, and slightly stirring with his breath.
his piece of crape, except that it hides a face which I 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 it
on."
Mr. Hooper's smile glimmered faintly.
"There is an hour to come," said he, "when all of us shall cast
aside our veils. Take it not amiss, beloved friend, if I wear this
piece of crape till then."
"Your words are a mystery, too," returned the young lady. "Take
away the veil from them, at least."
"Elizabeth, I will," said he, "so far as my vow may suffer me.
Know, then, this veil is a type and a symbol, and I am bound to wear
it 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No mortal eye will see it withdrawn. This dismal shade must separate
me from the world: even you, Elizabeth, can never come behind it!"
"What grievous affliction hath befallen you," she earnestly
inquired, "that you should thus darken your eyes forever?"
"If it be a sign of mourning," replied Mr. Hooper, "I, perhaps,
like most other mortals, have sorrows dark enough to be typified by
a black veil."
"But what if the world will not believe that it is the type of an
innocent sorrow?" urged Elizabeth. "Beloved and respected as you
are, there may be whispers that you hide your face under the
consciousness of secret sin. For the sake of your holy office, do away
this scandal!"