“It is not certain what form his hostility will take. He may not care to quarrel openly with you, Count; although, if he does, you know he is not a swordsman to be taken lightly.”
“He would serve me no ill turn were he to send his sword through my heart,” I answered, and meant every word I said.
“That would be an ill enough turn for us, though.”
“Let us go to the gallery and see. I have scarcely closed my eyes all night, and when Spernow came he found me hipped and down. It will be a good test for my nerves. If I can hold my own against you under such conditions, we need not be doubtful about this other affair.”
In a few minutes we were busy with the foils, and I told Zoiloff to try with all the skill at his command to beat me. For myself, I tried to make myself believe for the moment that he was the man whom I might have to meet, and I put forth every effort. I never fenced more skilfully or with more spirit, now limiting myself only to defensive measures and now forcing the attack with vehement and even fiery impetuosity.
“I cannot hold you, Count,” said Zoiloff, at length; “I have not touched you once, except that graze on the leg, and you have had me three times badly. If this were in earnest I should be a dead man. But, remember, you know my work now, and that I am not the Duke’s equal with the sword.”
“I must take that risk, and shall not take it without pleasure, I assure you.”
“But that’s not the only risk to be taken.”
“You are in a despondent mood, my friend,” I said, for I knew he referred to what General Kolfort might do afterwards. “Let’s meet them one at a time. This one faced and overcome may mean much to us; and, at any rate, will put us in good heart for what may follow.” My spirits were now as high as previously they had been depressed, and once again I was full of fight.
Zoiloff told me what he had already done to expedite our plans, and when I went to do my regimental work even the knowledge of what I had to tell Christina she must be prepared to do had become less oppressive and disheartening.