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The Scarlet Letter Chapter 7
Hester pays a visit to Governor Bellingham's house to deliver a pair of embroidered gloves. In addition, Hester makes this trip in the hopes that she can speak to Governor Bellingham about Pearl. There has been some talk in Boston about taking Pearl away from Hester, for fear that Hester is not educating her properly, and subjecting her to bad influences because of her crime. Pearl comes with Hester, wearing a bright red dress with gold embroidery that Hester has made. It is made of the same materials and in the same colors as the Scarlet Letter. "There was a fire in her [Pearl] and throughout her; she seemed the unpremeditated offshoot of a passionate moment." Chapter 7, pg. 93.
The sun is shining, and Pearl asks Hester if she may strip it off the house and gather it for herself. "'No, my little Pearl!' said her mother. 'Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee!'" Chapter 7, pg. 95. Hester and Pearl wait for Governor Bellingham, who approaches from the garden with the Reverend Wilson, the Reverend Dimmesdale, and Roger Chillingworth.
