rb 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.
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."

"With all my heart," the marquis replied; "we could not do better."

The chevalier was superior to the Marquis de Bruyeres in the noble art
of fencing, and after a few passes had sent the latter's sword flying
out of his hand. As no enmity existed between them, they stopped there
by mutual consent, and turned their attention again to de Sigognac and
Vallombreuse. The duke, sore pressed by the close play of the baron,
had fallen back several feet from his original position. He was becoming
weary, an