Question

"Why dost thou smile so at me?" inquired Hester, troubled at the expression of his eyes. "Art thou like the Black Man that haunts the forest round about us? Hast thou enticed me into a bond that will prove the ruin of my soul?"

Answer 1

As there is no question included with this quote, I will focus on explaining what the quote means.

This quote comes from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The quote is included in the scene where Chillingworth and Hester meet again. The two of them talk about their past relationship, and end on a relatively amicable note. However, Chillingworth asks Hester not to reveal his true identity. Hester accepts, but she is then surprised at the expression on Chillingworth's face. She worries that his smile is evidence of the fact that she has entered an agreement that does not benefit her, and that will prove to be "the ruin of [her] soul."