Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 9).djvu/112

 Mortensgård.

The fact that I am a marked man.

Rosmer.

Ah—indeed.

Mortensgård.

A marked man, Pastor Rosmer. You, above all men, should remember that; for I have chiefly you to thank for the scandal that branded me.

Rosmer.

If I had then stood where I stand now, I should have dealt more gently with your offence.

Mortensgård.

That I don't doubt. But it is too late now. You have branded me once for all—branded me for life. I suppose you can scarcely understand what that means. But now you may perhaps come to feel the smart of it yourself, Pastor Rosmer.

Rosmer.

I?

Mortensgård.

Yes. You surely don't suppose that Rector Kroll and his set will ever forgive a desertion like yours? I hear the "County News" is going to be very savage in future. You too may find yourself a marked man before long.

Rosmer.

In personal matters, Mr. Mortensgård, I feel myself secure from attack. My life is beyond reproach.