Hello,
Pearl and Hester most likely refer to characters from "The Scarlet Letter," an 1850's romantic-fiction book. The story is centred around the protagonist Hester Prynne, who conceives an illegitimate child and is then forced to live in repentance.
Hester is forced to adorn her every attire with a scarlet letter 'A'. This serves as a constant reminder of her adultery. At one point, her precious daughter Pearl asks her,
"But in good earnest now; mother, dear, what does this scarlet letter mean? And why dost thou wear it on they bosom?"
This troubles Hester as she does not feel like she is able to answer the question honestly as she feels that Pearl is far too young to understand, and she does not want to ruin her innocence. Hester exclaims: "No! If this is the price of the child's sympathy, I cannot pay it."
Eventually, becomes irritated by Pearl's constant questioning and threatens to lock her in the closet.
I hope this helps.