8 . Pearl and the Minister Governor Bellingham walked in front of the group of men in the garden . Reverent John Wilson , Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale , and Roger Chillingworth were behind him . The Governor pushed open the door and saw Pearl standing near the window . He did not immediately see Hester , who was half - hidden by the shadow of a curtain . " What have we here ? " said Governor Bellingham , looking with surprise at Pearl . " How did this guest get into my hall ? "" Yes , indeed ! " cried Master Wilson . " Whose child is this ? And who has dressed it in these bright colors ? Are you a Christain child or a naughy elf ? "" I am my mother ' s child , " answered the little girl , " and my name is Pearl ! "" Pearl ? " said the old minister . " But where is your mother ? Ah ! I see her now . " He turned to the Governor and whispered , " This is the child we were talking about and there is her mother , Hester Prynne . "" Is that right ? " said the Governor . " She comes at a good time . We will discuss the matter now . " Governor Bellingham stepped through the door into the hall , followed by his guests . " Hester Prynne , we have been talking about you recently , " he said . " We do not think you are the right person to take care of this child . You are a woman who has sinned . It would be better if she lived among people who can teach her about Heaven and Hell . " What can you do for the child ? "" I can teach my little Pearl what I have learned from this ! " answered Hester , pointing to the scarlet letter . " Every day this teaches me lessons that I pass on to my child . She will be a better and wiser person than I ever was . " The Governor turned to the old clergyman . " Master Wilson , test this child and find out what she knows about God . " The old minister sat in a chair and thought for a moment before speaking . " Pearl , " he said " Can you tell me who made you ? " Pearl knew who had made her because Hester had taught her about the Heavenly Father . She had learned as much about religion as any three - year - old child . But Pearl put her fingers in her mouth and refused to answer . " You must answer Master Wilson ' s question , Pearl , " said Hester . " Please ! Tell him what you know . "" Nobody made me ! " cried Pearl . " My mother picked me from the wild rosebush that grows by the prison door ! "" This is terrible ! " cried the Governor . " The child is three years old , and she does now know who made her . I do not think we need to ask her any more questions . " Hester pulled Pearl toward her and hugged the child . " God gave her to me ! " she said . " She is my happiness and my torture ! Pearl keeps me alive and she punishes me too ! She is my scarlet letter and the living punishement for my sin . Can you see that ? You will not take her . I will die first ! "" My poor woman . " said the old clergman , " We wil find someone who can care for the child better than you can . "" God gave her to me , " repeated Hester , her voice high and afraid . " I will not give her up ! " She turned to Master Dimmesdale . " You must speak for me ! " she cried . " You were my pastor and know me better than these men . You know what is in my heart . I have nothing but the child and the scarlet letter ! Speak to them for me ! " The young minister stepped forward . He held his hand over his heart as he always did when he was nervous . His large dark eyes showed his pain and sadness . " There is truth in what she says , " he said . His voice was sweet but powerful . " God gave her the child and it must therefore be part of His plan that she cares for it . Every day that the child is by her side , she will remember her sin and her shame . But God has also given her important work that will keep her from sinning again . She must love and care for the child and teach it Christian ways . If she carries out these responsibilities then she will have a place in heaven with her child . We cannot interfere . We must leave mother and child together and let God ' s plan save Hester Prynne ' s soul . " You speak with passion , my friend , " said old Roger Chillinworth , smiling at Master Dimmesdale . " Yes , and he speaks wisely , " said Master Wilson . " " What do you think , Governor ? "" I agree with you . " replied the Governor . " We will leave the child with its mother for now . " Master Dimmesdale , you will be responsible for making sure that the child goes to chruch and to school . " Pearl moved softly towards the young minister who now stood by the window . She took his hand and placed it gently against her cheek . Hester was surprised although she knew that there was love in the child ' s heart . She was even more surprised to see Master Dimmesdale bend down and kiss Pearl on the forehead . Little Pearl laughed , and ran away down the hall . " What a strange child ! " said old Roger Chillingworth . " It is easy to see how she resembles her mother . But could a clever man guess from a child ' s behavior the name of her father ? "" It would be better to pray for an answer to that question , " said Master Wilson . " Or let it remain a mystery . " Hester Prynne and Pearl left the house . on one steps , they met Mistress Hibbens , Governor Bellingham ' s sister . Some people said that Mistress Hibbens was mad and others said she was a friend of the Devil . A few years later , the judges said she was a witch and she was hung on the scaffold . " Mistress Prynne ! " she said . " Will you go with us to the forest tonight ? The Devil will be there and I have promised him that you will come . "" I cannot go with you ! " answered Hester , with a smile . " I must hurry home . But if they ever take Pearl from me , I will go with you to the forest . I will even sign my name in the Devil ' s book in my own blood ! But Pearl is with me now and I must stay at home and care for her . "