Through observation of the dialogue and actions of others, she seems to establish links between these behaviors in order to draw conclusions about her relationship with the other members of the community when these are not explicitly explained. After the custody battle in which Hester fights for the right to remain her child's guardian, "Pearl… crept gently toward [the Reverend] and, taking his hand in both of hers, rested his cheek against her" (78). This appears to be an act of gratitude from Pearl to the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, but it is interesting that this otherwise short-tempered and courageous child behaved in such a gentle manner towards the man. Perhaps she notes her mother's frantic voice and posture as Hester pleads with the men who wish to take Pearl away, establishing that her relationship with such men is not pleasant. Pearl can also notice Dimmesdale's request that the child stay with her mother, followed by the softening of Hester's face as her crisis comes to an end; it is obvious that the relationship between this man and his mother is more sympathetic than the aforementioned. Without hearing a single word spoken, Pearl realizes that Dimmesdale has somehow saved both men.