Come , good sir ; let the sun shine from behind the cloud . First lay aside your black veil , then tell me why you put it on . '' Mr. Hooper 's smile glimmered faintly . `` There is an hour to come , '' said he , `` when all of us shall cast aside our veils . Take it not amiss , beloved friend , if I wear this piece of crape till then . '' `` Your words are a mystery too , '' returned the young lady . `` Take away the veil from them , at least . '' `` Elizabeth , I will , '' said he , `` so far as my vow may suffer me . Know , then , this veil is a type and a symbol , and I am bound to wear it ever , both in light and darkness , in solitude and before the gaze of multitudes , and as with strangers , so with my familiar friends . No mortal eye will see it withdrawn . This dismal shade must separate me from the world ; even you , Elizabeth , can never come behind it . '' `` What grievous affliction hath befallen you , '' she earnestly inquired , `` that you should thus darken your eyes for ever ? '' `` If it be a sign of mourning , '' replied Mr. Hooper , `` I , perhaps , like most other mortals , have sorrows dark enough to be typified by a black veil . '' `` But what if the world will not believe that it is the type of an innocent sorrow ? '' urged Elizabeth . `` Beloved and respected as you are , there may be whispers that you hide your face under the consciousness of secret sin . For the sake of your holy office do away this scandal . '' The color rose into her cheeks as she intimated the nature of the rumors that were already abroad in the village . But Mr. Hooper 's mildness did not forsake him . He even smiled again -- that same sad smile which always appeared like a faint glimmering of light proceeding from the obscurity beneath the veil .
`` If I hide my face for sorrow , there is cause enough , '' he merely replied ; `` and if I cover it XXXXX secret sin , what mortal might not do the same ? ''
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