Page:Pontoppidan - Emanuel, or Children of the Soil (1896).djvu/208

 If that is your attitude, I see that I may save myself the trouble of trying to bring you to your senses.… But then, I suppose, you are prepared," he continued, raising his voice and coming up close to Emanuel—"I suppose you are also prepared for the steps which I propose to take after this? In short, Mr Hansted! you must choose now—either me or the weaver!"

"In that case … the choice is made."

"Indeed! Very good! You talk very boldly!… But—do you quite understand what it means? Do you see that your time here with me is over … irrevocably past, do you understand?"

"I had thought of that. But from this time I have my own work to do in the parish,—and that, quite regardless of whether I am your curate or not."

"There now! It is a prepared attack! A downright declaration of war! You propose an actual fight among my congregation!"

"Oh, not at all! For my part I wish for nothing but to be allowed to go my own way in peace, and do what good I can to others and to myself."

"But not I! We do not play so lightly as that here. I am not going to be led by the nose like that—don't imagine it. It will be a trial of strength, good folks—and you had better not be too sure of the issue! Yes, you may look at me! Measure yourself with me, young gentleman! It might even yet put a little sense into you. Old