One day, Hester brought Pearl with her to Governor Bellingham’s mansion. She told Pearl they were going to return a pair of gloves he had asked her to embroider, but the real reason was that Hester had heard rumors that the townspeople were planning to take her daughter away from her.
They suspected Pearl might be a demon child, so by taking her away, they planned to save Hester’s soul. Heater had also heard that Governor Bellingham was at the head of this plan
So she made up her mind to speak with him.
That day, she had dressed Pearl in a bright red dress that was embroidered with gold thread, just like her scarlet A, so that the child seemed to be a living extension of it.
When they reached the luxurious mansion, Pearl saw a blossoming rosebush and demanded that her mother pick one of the red flowers for her.
When Hester refused, Pearl burst into a fit of tears and let out an ear-piercing scream. But she then suddenly became silent when she saw some people approaching them.
In the group were Governor Bellingham, Pastor Wilson, the young Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, and Doctor Roger Chillingworth. Reverend Dimmesdale’s health had been suffering as of late, and the doctor, who was treating him, had become his close and constant companion.
Looking with surprise at the little girl dressed in stunning scarlet, the governor asked, “Who is this little one here?”
“Ah, this is the daughter of the unfortunate Heater Prynne,” Pastor Wilson said. “She is the one we’ve spoken about recently.”
“Yes,” said Governor Bellingham. “We shall look into this matter right here and now. Hester Prynne,” he said, looking directly at the little on her breast, “we have greatly discussed as to whether it is our duty to protect the eternal souls of you and your child. Don’t you think it would be best for this child to be taken and clothed plainly and disciplined in the truths of heaven and earth?”