The name of the village in this story is Milford, and there is actually a Milford, Massachusetts, just north of Rhode Island and not far from the coast. We know that the story's setting is here because the first line mentions the sexton ringing the bell at the Milford meeting house: the building where Puritan communities would have their worship services. On the morning in question, Mr. Hooper leaves his home at the accustomed hour, following most of his parishioners into the meeting house. Only one thing is different from normal: the minister is wearing a black veil that covers his face from his eyes to just above his mouth. The congregation of Milford has only somewhat varied responses to the veil. Some doubt his identity, others wonder if he's gone mad, and they all fear to look on him.
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