The Scarlet Letter

"Oh, Hester!" cried Arthur Dimmesdale, in whose eyes a fitful

light, kindled by her enthusiasm, flashed up and died away,

"thou tellest of running a race to a man whose knees are

tottering beneath him! I must die here! There is not the

strength or courage left me to venture into the wide, strange,

difficult world alone!"

It was the last expression of the despondency of a broken

spirit. He lacked energy to grasp the better fortune that seemed

within his reach.

He repeated the word--"Alone, Hester!"

"Thou shall not go alone!" answered she, in a deep whisper.

Then, all was spoken!