As was usually the case wherever Hester stood, a small vacant area -- a sort of magic circle -- had formed itself about her, into which, though the people were elbowing one another at a little distance, none ventured or felt disposed to intrude.

• 和通常一样，凡是海丝特所站之处，周围就会形成一小块空地，似乎有一种魔圈围着，圈外的人尽管在附近摩肩擦背地挤作一团，也没人甘冒风险或乐于闯进那块空地。