When the deputies returned without an explanation , or even venturing to demand one , she with the calm energy of her character determined to chase away the strange cloud that appeared to be settling round Mr. Hooper every moment more darkly than before . As his plighted wife it should be her privilege to know what the black veil concealed . At the minister 's first visit , therefore , she entered upon the subject with a direct simplicity which made the task easier both for him and her . After he had seated himself she fixed her eyes steadfastly upon the veil , but could discern nothing of the dreadful gloom that had so overawed the multitude ; it was but a double fold of crape hanging down from his forehead to his mouth and slightly stirring with his breath . `` No , '' said she , aloud , and smiling , `` there is nothing terrible in this piece of crape , except that it hides a face which I am always glad to look upon . 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 No mortal eye will see it withdrawn .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 XXXXX secret sin .
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