chapter 19
"But, whether influenced by the jealousy that seems instinctive with every petted child towards a dangerous rival, or from whatever caprice of her freakish nature, Pearl would show no favour to the clergyman."
Pearl's reaction is not just a childish capirice, but a punishment for D. for not having said the truth. Pearl's love will arrive only in the moment in which he will confess his sin (in fact, she runs and kisses him when he reveals it) but now what A.D. is looking for is a familiar love, and he can't find it: Pearl does not grant it: this is the cruel punishment for not having said the truth.
Is it cruel? Shouldn't he acknowledge Pearl formally? Remember not having a father in this time was to be less than human.
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