The Marquis de Bruyeres watched him with great satisfaction, auguring
good things for their side from his quiet sang-froid. Vallombreuse
immediately threw off his cloak and hat, and unfastened his pourpoint,
in which he was closely imitated by de Sigognac. The marquis and the
chevalier measured the swords of the combatants, which were found to be
of equal length, and then each second placed his principal in position,
and put his sword in his hand.
"Fall to, gentlemen, and fight like men of spirit, as you are," said the
marquis.
"A needless recommendation that," chimed in the Chevalier de Vidalinc;
"they go at it like lions---we shall have a superb duel."
The Duke of Vallombreuse, who, in his inmost heart, could not help
despising de Sigognac more than a little, and had imagined that he
should find in him but a weak antagonist, was astonished when he
discovered the strength of the baron's sword, and could not deny to
himself that he wielded a firm and supple blade, which baffled his own
with the greatest ease--that he was, in fine, a "foeman worthy of his
steel." He became more careful and attentive; then tried several feints,
which were instantly detected. At the least opening he left, the point
of de Sigognac's sword, rapid as lightning in its play, darted in upon
him, necessitating the exercise of all his boasted skill to parry it.
Pages:
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332