In paragraph 11 Hester describes the scarlet letter as too deeply branded in order to suggest that

As for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why i shouldn't – i think i'll see women handle the ballot. which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten twain’s words? as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame . . a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why i shouldn't . . i think i'll see women handle the ballot. as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer . . i shouldn't – i think i'll see women handle the ballot. as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why i shouldn't . . as for this city's government, i don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if i should live twenty-five years longer . . i think i'll see women handle the ballot.