Answer:
Dimmesdale defends and praises Hester in his speech, which would be very strange behavior for a reverend like him.
Explanation:
Hester has an illegitimate daughter and refuses to say who the child's father is. As she lives in a Puritan society where patriarchy and conservatism reigns, she suffers prejudice and insults from the whole society. However, Reverend Dimmesdale (a cleric who should abolish Hester's sin) gives a speech in favor of Hester, where he praises her and reinforces her qualities. This is very strange behavior, which made the whole community suspicious.
It's raining outside so she can't go to her friend's houses.
