"They arose in the manners and customs of a flamboyant era, when
everyone carried a sword and it was considered the right thing to air
it on every opportunity, in order to fill up the time which might
otherwise have passed somewhat heavily. Every age has its fashions
and its vices, its childish toys and favourite follies. Those gallant
blades that cut such a tremendous figure in the old days would meet
with a very poor reception now, if they could revisit the scenes of
their dashing exploits.
"But if it is the duty of a second to play the part of mediator before
the action, it is equally his duty to be cool and collected on the
ground. His personal responsibility is increased, but otherwise his
rôle remains unchanged.
"It then becomes imperative on him to anticipate and allow for every
contingency, he must let nothing escape him, and must give the closest
attention to the minutest detail, in order that his principal may be
relieved of all anxiety, and may preserve that cool presence of mind
which is so absolutely indispensable.