The Scarlet Stigma

Roger. Three months? Three years you mean.

Ursula. Three months, I said.

Roger. Thou dost not mean that Hester Prynne hath borne a child within the last two years?

Ursula. I do. [Aside] A strange man, truly. This news hath troubled him; but that's not strange, it troubles all her friends. He seemed glad enough she had a child, but when I said it was a girl it seemed to sting him. Well, well! God help the women; we are unwelcome when we come, abused while we stay, and driven hence with ill-usage.

Roger. Adulteress! That cannot be! There's some Mistake, or some deceit in this. Her great Nobility of heart would take upon Herself another's wrong. I'll take an oath The babe they say is hers she never bore!

Ursula. 'Tis surely hers, for I delivered her.

Roger. Hester! Hester! O, my God! My Hester! Woman, didst thou say that she is married?

Ursula. Nay, I said she is a