It began to dawn upon me that my undertaking was more serious than I
had anticipated, and that I had let myself in for some uncommonly hard
work; for I should have to advance solid reasons in support of the
theories that I had so rashly propounded. I had committed myself to
nothing less than the exposition of a system to men who, for the most
part, knew nothing at all about sword-play, and could not be expected
to understand the meaning of the technical terms. I should have to be
clear and precise and ready to answer any questions that might be put
to me.
I was particularly anxious to carry my little audience with me, because
I venture to think that no gentleman's education is complete without
some knowledge of fencing, and I consider that parents and guardians
are much to blame if they fail to recognise the two-fold importance of
this indispensable exercise, which not only strengthens and developes
the learner's body, but also insures his life.
"Ah," I exclaimed, as I joined the company in the smoking-room, where
we met every evening, "my audience I see is before me."
"You have kept your audience waiting," said my host, "and we have kept
an armchair waiting for you. Sit down, and begin as soon as you please."
"Thank you," I replied sitting down,--"I will begin at once."