No mortal eye will see it withdrawn .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 for secret sin , what mortal might not do the same ? '' And with this gentle but unconquerable obstinacy did he resist all her entreaties . At length Elizabeth sat silent . For a few moments she appeared lost in thought , considering , probably , what new methods might be tried to withdraw her lover from so dark a fantasy , which , if it had no other meaning , was perhaps a symptom of mental disease . Though of a firmer character than his own , the tears rolled down her cheeks . But in an instant , as it were , a new feeling took the place of sorrow : her eyes were fixed insensibly on the black veil , when like a sudden twilight in the air its terrors fell around her . She arose and stood trembling before him . `` And do you feel it , then , at last ? '' said he , mournfully .
She made no reply , but covered her eyes XXXXX her hand and turned to leave the room .
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