Scarlet Letter Pg. 141

Entry 33: 

"The letter was the symbol of her calling. Such helpfullness was found in her,-so much power to do, and power to sympathize,-that many people refused to interpret the scarlet letter A by its original signification. They said that it meant Able; so strong that Hester Prynne, with a woman's strength."

Able means having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something. Able is Hester's inner strength that helped her get through the past seven years with the shame of sin, and the judgement of the town and society that she lives in. People look up to her now, and respect her because she helps the town and the poor people even when sometimes, in return, they don't give the same back. It's noted that 'Her breast, with its badge of shame, was but the softer pillow for the head that needed one." She was understanding when people were troubled which people started admiring her for. It was no longer a sign of an 'adulterer' but someone who is 'able', it's a token of her many good deeds since.