Preceded by the beadle, and attended by an irregular procession of stern-browed men and unkindly-visaged women, Hester Prynne set forth towards the place appointed for her punishment.

海丝特·白兰跟在前面开路的狱吏，身后拧眉攒购男人面恶的女人的不成形的队伍，走向指定让她示众的地方。