The Scarlet Letter - Chapter 22 - The Procession

In which a stately procession winds its way through the market-place, bringing Hester Prynne face to face with the illustrious clergyman whose distant bearing sets her heart to ache with unspoken remembrance and silent yearning. Amidst the swelling strains of music and the keen eyes of townsfolk and strangers alike, Hester stands rooted by the scaffold, as the minister’s sermon, rich with plaintive eloquence, envelopes the air and her spirit, whilst her wild, radiant child flits like a bright spark through the sombre throng.