
after Hester removes the scarlet letter
Pearl Refuses to Cross the Brook
Hester calls Pearl to come to them, but Pearl refuses to cross the brook until Hester puts the scarlet letter back on. Pearl points at Hester's bare bosom and at Dimmesdale's heart. Hester, realizing the necessity, puts the letter back on and pins up her hair. Only then does Pearl cross and kiss her mother, but she also kisses the scarlet letter.