Paul and Clamens conducted Eusebe to a renowned _maître d’armes_,
named Grisier, or Gate-chair.
“Professor,” said Clamens, “I have the honor to introduce to
you one of my best friends, M. Eusebe Martin, who is to fight
to-morrow, and who does not know how to hold a sword. I have
persuaded him that you will be kind enough to give him the benefit
of your valuable counsel.”
“I can give him only one piece of advice,” replied the professor;
“and that is, not to kill himself. I tender him that, with all my
heart: it is all I can do for him.”
“How? Do you mean to say that you cannot teach him how to make some
passes with the weapon?”
“Fencing is not to be learned in an hour.”
“Doubtless; but are there not some special mysteries of the art in
which you can instruct him?”
“All the movements are mysteries to one who does not know how to
parry them.”
“But can you not at least show my friend the manner of putting
himself on guard? He is to fight with a man of the world, and he
ought to be able to show that he knows as well how to kill as to
live.”
“That is easy enough,” said the professor. “I am at your disposal.”
The professor then put Eusebe in position, explained to him how
to hold his weapon, how to make passes, how to break the force of
a stroke, and many other things pertaining to the art of fencing.
The quickness with which Eusebe comprehended the demonstrations and
followed the instructions, as well as his graceful attitude and
manly vigor, excited the interest of the professor. Eusebe thanked
him, and was about to withdraw, when the master of the sword
recalled him.
“Resume your guard,” said he, “and listen to me attentively. In
order to give you a correct idea of duelling, I am going to charge
upon you with this sword, which, you see, is very sharp. Observe
my movements, and endeavor to parry; for, while I am sure of not
giving you dangerous thrusts, the vigor of my attack, or your lack
of skill, may result in your receiving some severe scratches. Now
protect yourself.”
The professor suddenly precipitated himself upon Eusebe with
extreme violence. His sword menaced the breast of the young
man, who, however, retreated and parried so adroitly as not to
be touched. The professor stopped as soon as the provincial
had reached the wall. Eusebe was perfectly calm. The professor
scrutinized him closely, and, seeing his entire self-possession,
said,--
“That will do, monsieur: you will return from the field, I promise
you.”
“God grant that I may!” solemnly responded Eusebe.
On the following day the three friends were the first to reach the
appointed rendezvous. A convenient spot was chosen, the swords were
measured, and the Commandant de Vic pronounced the word “Go!”
Eusebe attacked his adversary furiously. Surprised by a vigor
which he had by no means anticipated, and not recognizing in the
passes of the provincial any of those movements usually taught
in the schools of fencing, the count manifested an embarrassment
which only served to encourage Eusebe. Suddenly M. de la Soulaye
was touched in the hand. The seconds immediately interposed, and
Clamens hastily cried,--
“Messieurs, the combat is finished.”
“How so?” inquired Eusebe.
“Honor has been satisfied,” responded the Commandant de Vic.
The young provincial thought that this honor was not difficult to
satisfy; but he said nothing, and, in company with his two friends,
took the road back to Paris.
Eusebe thought proper not to say a word about this affair to her
who had been the involuntary cause of the quarrel. In this matter
his native delicacy served him admirably. Adéonne would have thrown
herself upon her knees and implored him not to fight, or she would
have turned him out-of-doors if he had refused.