The House of the Seven Gables

Though Hepzibah tries to make the home more cheerful, a storm has descended, and the house is thoroughly gloomy due to this storm and the absence of Phoebe. After five days, Clifford is bedridden without Phoebe. Sales in the shop drop off as well.

Judge Pyncheon arrives at the shop. At first, he implores Hepzibah to let him see Clifford, insisting that he has shed as many tears as she has over Clifford and asking her why she has put so much energy into refusing him, when he has only ever wanted the best for Clifford.

Hepzibah refuses, however, to let him see Clifford, remaining vigilant in her distrust of her cousin. The narrator initially seems unsure whether Hepzibah is being unfair toward the judge or whether the judge is deceptive and intends harm. However, the narrator then describes the judge’s life through the metaphor of a luxurious house under which there lies a rotting corpse. All are deceived, as the inhabitant is used to the smell, and visitors are distracted by the luxuries. Only the gifted can perceive reality.

After the insistent refusal of Hepzibah, the judge proclaims that he is the one who freed Clifford from prison.