Rosmer. Have you, then, entered the fold of the Church again
lately?
Mortensgaard. That is another matter altogether.
Rosmer. Oh, that is how it is. Yes, I understand you now.
Mortensgaard. Mr. Rosmer--you ought to remember that I, of all
people, have not absolute freedom of action.
Rosmer. What hampers you?
Mortensgaard. What hampers me is that I am a marked man.
Rosmer. Ah--of course.
Mortensgaard. A marked man, Mr. Rosmer. And you, of all people,
ought to remember that--because you were responsible, more than
any one else, for my being branded.
Rosmer. If I had stood then where I stand now, I should have
handled the affair more judiciously.
Mortensgaard. I think so too. But it is too late now; you have
branded me, once for all--branded me for life. I do not suppose
you can fully realise what such a thing means. But it is possible
that you may soon feel the smart of it yourself now, Mr. Rosmer.
Rosmer. I?
Mortensgaard. Yes. You surely do not suppose that Mr. Kroll and
his gang will be inclined to forgive a rupture such as yours? And
the "County News" is going to be pretty bloodthirsty, I hear. It
may very well come to pass that you will be a marked man, too.
Rosmer. On personal grounds, Mr. Mortensgaard, I feel myself to
be invulnerable. My conduct does not offer any point of attack.
Mortensgaard (with a quiet smile). That is saying a good deal,
Mr.
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