"His form grew emaciated; his voice, though still rich and sweet, had a certain melancholy prophecy of decay in it; he was often observed...to put his hand over his heart, with first a flush and then a paleness, indicative of pain" (110).
This is one of the many signs demonstrating the abnormal changes Dimmesdale is experiencing. Using what we know so far, we can infer that Dimmesdale is feeling guilty about remaining silent. His selfishness is eating his alive. Initially, it was tearing him apart internally where noone can see it but now it has hit him so hard that people can physically see that something is wrong. Some of the questions people ask in reaction to Dimmesdale's behavior include: "Was he weary of his labors? Did he wish to die?" (111). These questions are inaccurate to some extent but it may be possible that Dimmesdale wants to die because he does speak of death casually.
"Alas! To judge from the gloom and terror in the depths of the poor minister's eyes, the battle was a sore one, and the victory anything but secure" (117).
As Dimmesdale's emotions continue to surface, he sparks some type of interest within Chillingworth. At the time, Chillingworth did not know exactly what he was looking for but it was evident that Dimmesdale was hiding something and he was determined to decipher what it was. They begin spending more time together and even move in together to get more in touch with each other's personal life. Ultimately, Chillingworth's 'reading' abilities are being put to the test. Here he reads the terror and gloom in Dimmesdale's eyes. So far, he is successful and will continue to be.
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