M. Duplay and the young ladies being seated, we each took our mask and foil.
“Be easy,” said Félicién, in a whisper intended to be heard; “I will not hurt you.”
“Thanks!” replied I; “for I shall probably be at your mercy.”
“Would you like to begin?” asked Félicién.
“As you please,” said I.
We placed ourselves on guard.
At the first pass, I saw that Félicién tried to touch me; which, between strangers, lacks courtesy.
However, I appeared not to notice it, and contented myself by parrying his thrust.
Now came my turn.
I made four or five passes only; but they were sufficient to show me that, though Félicién was a tolerable fencer, he had no chance with me.