He ventured an attack, which was so promptly met, and his weapon so
cleverly struck aside, that he was left exposed to his adversary's
thrust, and but for throwing himself back out of reach, by a sudden,
violent movement, he must have received it full in his breast. From
that instant all was changed for the young duke; he had believed that
he would be able to direct the combat according to his own will and
pleasure, but, instead of that, he was forced to make use of all his
skill and address to defend himself. He had believed that after a few
passes he could wound de Sigognae, wherever he chose, by a thrust which,
up to that time, he had always found successful; but, instead of that,
he had hard work to avoid being wounded himself. Despite his efforts
to remain calm and cool, he was rapidly growing angry; he felt himself
becoming nervous and feverish, while the baron, perfectly at his ease
and unmoved, seemed to take a certain pleasure in irritating him by the
irreproachable excellence of his fence.
"Sha'n't we do something in this way too, while our friends are
occupied?" said the chevalier to the marquis.
"It is very cold this morning. Suppose we fight a little also, if only
to warm ourselves up, and set our blood in motion.
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