Moved by the grotesque and horrific nature of the scene, the Minister, abandoning his customary alarm and restlessness, erupted into a guffaw, which was promptly answered by a laugh that was slight, aerial, and childish, and in which, with a shuddering heart, he recognized little Pearl’s voice. “Pearl. Pearl”, he exclaimed, and afterwards he added, “Esther. Esther Prynne. Are you there?”. “Yes, I am Esther Prynne”, a voice replied. A certain amount of surprise was perceivable in said voice. The Minister heard Esther's approaching steps. “I am with my little girl”, she said.