Why does Dimmesdale consider it fortunate that the ship is not to sail for four days?

---

Dimmesdale considers it fortunate that the ship is not to sail for four days because in three days, he is supposed to make a very important Election Sermon. Dimmesdale wants to leave with a sense of fulfillment of his role as a minister through both society’s eyes and his own.

---

More Questions

1. Where have Hester and Dimmesdale decided to go when they leave Boston? Why do they choose to go to Europe rather than remain in the New World?
2. How does it happen that Hester is acquainted with the captain of the ship now in the harbor?
3. Why does Dimmesdale consider it fortunate that the ship is not to sail for four days?
4. When Mistress Hibbins offers to introduce Dimmesdale to “yonder potentate you wot of,” to whom is she referring?

---