Some gathered in little circles , huddled closely together , with their mouths all whispering in the centre ; some went homeward alone , wrapped in silent meditation ; some talked loudly and profaned the Sabbath-day with ostentatious laughter . A few shook their sagacious heads , intimating that they could penetrate the mystery , while one or two affirmed that there was no mystery at all , but only that Mr. Hooper 's eyes were so weakened by the midnight lamp as to require a shade . After a brief interval forth came good Mr. Hooper also , in the rear of his flock . Turning his veiled face from one group to another , he paid due reverence to the hoary heads , saluted the middle-aged with kind dignity as their friend and spiritual guide , greeted the young with mingled authority and love , and laid his hands on the little children 's heads to bless them . Such was always his custom on the Sabbath-day . Strange and bewildered looks repaid him for his courtesy . None , as on former occasions , aspired to the honor of walking by their pastor 's side . Old Squire Saunders -- doubtless by an accidental lapse of memory -- neglected to invite Mr. Hooper to his table , where the good clergyman had been wont to bless the food almost every Sunday since his settlement . He returned , therefore , to the parsonage , and at the moment of closing the door was observed to look back upon the people , all of whom had their eyes fixed upon the minister . A sad smile gleamed faintly from beneath the black veil and flickered about his mouth , glimmering as he disappeared . `` How strange , '' said a lady , `` that a simple black veil , such as any woman might wear on her bonnet , should become such a terrible thing on Mr. Hooper 's face ! '' `` Something must surely be amiss with Mr. Hooper 's intellects , '' observed her husband , the physician of the village . `` But the strangest part of the affair is the effect of this vagary even on a sober-minded man like myself . The black veil , though it covers only our pastor 's face , throws its influence over his whole person and makes him ghost-like from head to foot . Do you not feel it so ? '' `` Truly do I , '' replied the lady ; `` and I would not be alone with him for the world . I wonder he is not afraid to be alone with himself . '' `` Men sometimes are so , '' said her husband . The afternoon service was attended with similar circumstances . At its conclusion the bell tolled for the funeral of a young lady .
The relatives and friends were assembled in the house and the more distant acquaintances stood about the door , speaking of the good qualities of the deceased , when their talk was interrupted XXXXX the appearance of Mr. Hooper , still covered with his black veil .
After at by from in like over that while with