Chapter 22 Summary

And so, amidst this turmoil, the stately procession begins. Leading the way are the musicians, followed by various gentlemen in arms, their armor shining in the noonday sun. They are followed by the civil leaders of the government, the magistrates and public officials. Then comes the clergy, including Arthur Dimmesdale, who seemed more alive than ever before. Hester watches him with a kind of dreary sadness. Would she lose him now? Pearl caught the mood of her mother and looked at him curiously. She is besieged by Mistress Hibbings, who makes allusions to Dimmesdale's curious forest excursions, but she ignores her allegations concerning the minister and the Black Man and his mark upon him.

Dimmesdale gives a wonderful sermon. Meanwhile, Pearl plays in the market place. The shipmaster, smitten by the delightful child, throws her a gold chain from her hat. He tells...