"even if i imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could i do better for my object than to let thee live,—than to give thee medicines against all harm and peril of life,—so that this burning shame may still blaze upon they bosom? "—as he spoke, he laid his long forefinger on the scarlet letter, which forthwith seemed to scorch into hester’s breast, as if it had been red-hot. he noticed her involuntary gesture, and smiled. what does the excerpt reveal about roger chillingworth?