I believe that distance plus sound equals the sound pressure level, but i could be wrong
These contradictory descriptions can be reconciled because they capture both sides of what Hester has become because of her experiences. She is seen as pure, warm, and tender, because she has turned her life around. She is pleased to have her daughter, she helps others in the community, and people have begun to see her as a better person.
She is also seen as cold, because she has to carry the burden of holding a secret (the identity of her husband), and cannot be with the man she wants to be with.
The man ignored moving ahead in the freezing cold instead of making camp or not going at all. Hope this helps.
