Don Benigno took a step forward, and Sinforoso took a step backward.
Don Segis, the reserve force, also advanced a step to preserve the strategical distance.
"Calm yourself, Don Benigno!" cried Sinforoso in terror.
"I am very calm, young fellow! I only want to hear that about the doves again which pleased me so much."
"I did not write it!" exclaimed Perinolo's son in dismay.
"You did not write it, boy? Then take this for when you do write it." And he leveled a blow at the editor's cheek.
"Calm yourself, Don Benigno!" exclaimed the wretched fellow as he fell backward with his hands outstretched.
"Don't I tell you I am very calm? You braggart. Here's another little dove!" And he administered another blow.
"For God's sake, Don Benigno, calm yourself!"
"There goes another little dove!" another blow followed.