While she could have "hid- from the full force of this scaffold penance, her dignity holds her open to the consequences of her actions. As a woman, moreover, Hester is contrasted with the gossiping dames of the crowd. While they are manlike and rough, she is beautiful and " characterized by a certain state and dignity - (47). Hester is literally above these women and the rest of the crowd as she stands upon the scaffold. In the popular version of the saying from the Gospel of John, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."" The irony of this situation illuminates that the townspeople are not without sin themselves. While standing on the structure, Hester sees a figure in the distance who, from her earlier description, appears to be her husband. Unlike the man she married, however, he is portrayed with images of a dark nature. As this man makes his way into the crowd the narrator explains, "A writhing horror twisted itself across his features, like a snake gliding swiftly over them- (54). While this man is her husband, the evil persona of Roger Chillingworth is born at this very first scaffold scene. In his conversation with a townsperson, he foreshadows his malicious attack on Dimmesdale: "It irks me, nevertheless, that the partner of her inquiry should not, at least, stand on the scaffold by her side. But he will be known! "he will be known! "he will be known!- (56). While this repetitious speech sounds demonic, the quotation also highlights the Reverends own inability to admit to his role in Hester's sin. Along with Dimmesdale's denial, however, we see the beginning effects of his cover: "the trying nature of his position drove the blood from his cheek, and made his lips tremulous- (59). After he ironically commands Hester to admit her partner in sin, he does not push her any further. At her first sign of opposition Dimmesdale simply states, " She will not speak!'- (61).